Radiogenic Heat Production Due to Natural Radionuclides in the Sediments of Ogun River, Nigeria

Abstract

Thirty- two sediment samples were analysed  for radiogenic heat production due to the three natural radionuclides from Ogun river, using NaI(Tl) Gamma-Ray Spectrometer detector  to determine the elemental concentrations of the sediments. Ogun river sediments had Shown low radiogenic heat production rate. The estimated mean of the radiogenic heat production rate was  0.48 ± 0.1 ?w/m³ and it ranged from 0.28 ± 0.2?w/m³ (Ekerin and Mile 12-Maidan) to 0.91 ± 0.2?w/m³ (Sokori). The overall contribution to the radiogenic heat production rates of Ogun river was mostly from Thorium, with percentage contribution of 40.44%, followed by Uranium, 31.57%  and then by potassium, with 27.99%.

Keywords: Radiogenic Heat Production Rate, Ogun River