Radiation levels of dumpsites within Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

With increasing population and human activities, dumpsites experience diverse sources of waste with potential radiation hazards. Ionizing radiations have often been overlooked amongst researchers in third world countries, hence, information in this regard is lacking. In this study, nine dumpsites within Imo State University (IMSU) grounds were assessed for radiation levels using Geiger Muller counter Tube Mullard type ZP 1481 with assisted scalar and stopwatch. After calibration, the instrument was placed one meter above ground level and count rates recorded at 10 minutes interval for each location once in the morning, the afternoon and the evening for seven days. Results reveal higher dose equivalents in some morning periods than in the afternoon and evening. Site ETF2 had highest value of 0.69±0.08 mSv·yr-1, while Extension gate had lowest value of 0.56±0.01 mSv·yr-1. Compared to National Council for Radiation Protection maximum permissible level, these values are quite low. In conclusion, ionizing radiations levels at the studied dumpsites in Imo State University grounds are low and may not pose a threat to persons within the university.