STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF RADIOELEMENTS DISTRIBUTION OVER PARTS OF SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA USING CORRELATION METHOD

Nwokeabia Charity Nkiru (), Opara Alex Iheanyichukwu, Omenikolo Ibe Alexander, Eluwa Ndidiamaka Nchedo and Agoha Chidiebere Charles
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Nwokeabia Charity Nkiru: Department of Applied Geophysics, Nnamdi Azikwe University Awka, Nigeria.
Opara Alex Iheanyichukwu: Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
Omenikolo Ibe Alexander: Department of Physics/Electronics, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria.
Eluwa Ndidiamaka Nchedo: Department of Geology/Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi state, Nigeria.
Agoha Chidiebere Charles: Department of Geology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.

Earth Sciences Malaysia (ESMY), 2024, vol. 8, issue 2, 151-157

Abstract: Statistical analysis using correlation method was carried out on radiometric data in some parts of South- eastern Nigeria. The objective was to assess the spatial relationships and potential correlations among various radioactive elements in the designated area. The study area spans latitudes 5°001′ N to 6°301′ N and longitudes 7°001′ E to 8°301′ E, covering approximately 27,225 km2. Utilising the superspectrometer RS 230, a comprehensive survey was conducted. Parameters including uranium, thorium, and potassium were measured. Radiometric data analysis and interpretation unveiled the mean concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K) in the study area, registering at 3.02 ppm, 11.22 ppm, and 0.43%, respectively. These values align closely with the standard averages of 2.973 ppm, 11.084 ppm, and 1.342%, respectively. This examination sheds light on the distribution and levels of radionuclides within the surveyed region, contributing to a deeper understanding of its geological composition and potential implications. Statistical analysis revealed an R2 value of 0.730 between Uranium and Thorium. The value obtained is above 0.5 showing a good relationship between the two. This also indicates that their concentrations are dependent on each other in the study area. But R2 values obtained between Uranium and Potassium is 0.006 and between Potassium and Thorium is 0.004 which are both less than 0.5. This depicts a weak relationship between the concentrations of Uranium and Potassium, and between Potassium and Thorium. This in turn revealed that the concentrations of the both sets in the study area are independent of each other.

Keywords: Radiometrics; Radioelement; Uranium; Thorium and Potassium (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zib:zbesmy:v:8:y:2024:i:2:p:151-157

DOI: 10.26480/esmy.02.2024.151.157

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