Department of Physics.

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Analysis of Attenuation Due to Atmospheric Gases Prediction Models at Ota, Nigeria
(Science and Technology: Developments and Applications Vol. 7, 2025) Akinwumi, A.; Omotosho, T.; Usikalu, M.; Adewusi, M.; Ometan, O.; Emetere, M.
The theory explaining the interaction between molecules and radiation of gases in telecommunication ascertained the fact that microwave signals experience significant attenuation that can appreciably degrade the quality of signal transmissions. Millimeter and sub-millimeter wave signals experience scattering and absorption while propagating through the atmosphere. The demand for satellite services is rapidly increasing on a daily basis. One of the major concerns for satellite telecommunication designers is the impacts of gas attenuation on earthspace path links, most importantly in tropical areas. This research has been directed at the analysis and comparison of gas attenuation prediction models at Covenant University, Ota, southwest Nigeria (Lat: 6.7 o N, Long: 3.23o E). Gas attenuation data were collected from the spectrum analyzer and Davis automatic weather station for a period of five years (April 2012- December 2016) from Astra 2E/2F/2G Satellite link set at an elevation angle of 59.9o on 12.245 GHz. The monthly gas attenuation was analyzed and compared with existing gas attenuation prediction models that could provide a guide to microwave propagation engineers in the tropical region. The results suggest that even during clear-sky, gas attenuation still poses a threat to the design of satellite communication on the earth-space path. The results also suggest that even during clear-sky, gas attenuation still poses a threat to the design of satellite communication on the earth-space path. Likewise, the same pattern was observed from 2013 to 2016 where Salonen’s model was reported as the lowest model and Liebe’s model gave the highest value. Therefore, the ITU-R model may be more accurate for modelling gas attenuation for the region. Hence, the statistics provided in this work will help engineers in planning and designing good telecommunication systems in the tropical region.
Application of VLF-EM response and geoelectrical sounding in groundwater investigation around an active dumpsite
(Application of VLF-EM response and geoelectrical sounding in groundwater investigation around an active dumpsite, 2024) Adeniji, A. A.; Ajani, O. O.; Adagunodo, T. A.
An integrated geophysical method combining very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) methods were carried out around Adaland, Southwestern Nigeria, located within latitude 70 54' 0" and longitude 40 43' 0", with a view to investigate the possible impact of dumpsite on groundwater.This is the major study in the environment to offer extensive evidence regarding the suitability of obtaining quality groundwater. In this research, eight VLF-EM and twelve VES data sets were generated, which were then used to estimate the linear structure, bedrock formation, subsurface geological characteristics, and identification of leachate pathways. The VLF-EM data were analyzed by employing Karous_Hjelt and Microsoft Excel, while the VES data were investigated using the WinRESIST software. TheVLF-EM results confirmed the presence of conductive zones, which might be due to fracture, fault and contact zones or weathered basements. The lithological units acquired from the electrical resistivity results revealed four geoelectrical layers such as topsoil, weathered-based, fractured basement and fresh basement. However, the identified weathered layers and fractured basements from the geoelectrical sections and the corresponding Karous and Hjelt (K-H) pseudo sectionresults around the dumpsite, constitute the main passages for the possible impact of the open dumpsite on groundwater quality, since leachates from the dumpsite could slowly percolate downwards from the topsoil to the water table. Therefore, the impact of the dumpsite on the groundwater is caused by the inadequate clay materials, near-surface features such as fractures/faults, and lateral in-homogeneity. Thus, integrating both methods has been recommended in site characterization for accessing quality groundwater around a dumpsite environment.
Assessing subsurface heterogenenity and infiltration capacity at a restored wetland using geophysical imaging and infiltration tests
(2025) Otchere, Nana-Aboagye; Aizebeokhai, Ahzegbobor P.; Martin-Hayden, James; Doro, Kennedy O.
Wetland soil properties and stratigraphic heterogeneity influence their water-holding capacity, 15 infiltration, and subsurface flow. Infiltration, however, depends on the soil’s saturated hydraulic 16 conductivity (Ksat) whose spatial variability at field scale is difficult to quantify. In this study, we 17 combined electromagnetic imaging (EMI) and electrical resistivity (ER) with infiltration tests to 18 assess the spatial variation in the shallow subsurface stratigraphy and Ksat at a restored wetland in 19 northwest Ohio. We used a Geonics EM38-MK2, with a transmitter and two receivers spaced 0.5 20 and 1.0 m to map the spatial distribution of the soil’s apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). The 21 ER measurements were acquired along nine transects using a SuperSting R8 resistivity meter 22 with 84-electrode and a dipole-dipole electrode array. The ER results, constrained with 23 lithostratigraphic logs, showed 0.7 m thick topsoil (silty loam) underlain by 0.5 m thick clayey 24 loam interspersed with coarser materials and alternating units of diamictons. The observed ECa 25 were relatively higher (10 – 40 mS/m) for the 0.5 m T-R spacing compared to the 1.0 m spacing 26 (8 – 36 mS/m). The spatial distribution of Ksat ranged from 0.01 – 0.9 mm/min with higher 27 values at areas with high silt and sand content. A least-squared linear regression between Ksat 28 and ECa yielded coefficient of determination (R2) values >0.62 indicating the effectiveness of 29 EMI for predicting the spatial variation of Ksat. Thus, combining geophysical imaging with field 30 infiltration tests provided valuable insights into infiltration through the soil and potential 31 subsurface flow at the restored wetland with limited details on subsurface flow.
ASSESSMENT OF AIRBORNE AND TERRESTRIAL RADIOMETRIC CONCENTRATIONS AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH RISKS IN SELECTED LOCATIONS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) MORAKINYO, Ruth Omoseeke; Covenant University Thesis
Radiation is an inevitable part of the human environment, both from terrestrial and anthropogenic sources. Elevation of radiation levels in an environment above the threshold limit is detrimental to man and the ecosystem. Therefore, monitoring the radiation level of every human environment is expedient because of the harmful effect of exposure to ionizing radiation. The radiometric data of selected locations in southwest Nigeria was collected from the database of the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and analysed using the Oasis Montaj software. The result of the NGSA data served as a guide in the selection of locations for in-situ assessment using an RS-125 handheld gamma spectrometer. Soil and water samples were collected in those locations and some quarry sites and analysed in the laboratory using NaI (TI) detector. The obtained activity concentrations were used to determine the radiological parameter. The absorbed dose rate for analysed aero radiometry data ranges between 31.92-214.04, 36.31-192.77, 13.82-162.02, 6.57-119.62, 10.83-116.93 and 16.4-63.70 nGy/h for Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Ondo, Apomu, Ibadan, and Ijebu-ode sheets respectively. The mean absorbed dose rate for in-situ assessment for the exact locations ranges between 38.00-149.43, 86.00-179.27, 51.21-116.53, 72.76-109.09, 84.32-194.41, 56.27-64.55nGy/h respectively. The results of soil and water samples of selected locations and quarry sites revealed that the absorbed dose rate in soil samples in 80% of the locations and 100% of the quarry sites was higher than the world average value. The estimated total annual committed dose for various categories of ages in all the water samples were higher than the world average value. The estimated annual effective dose and excess lifetime cancer risk in most locations in in-situ assessment and analysis of soil samples was higher than the global limit. Statistical analysis revealed that the concentration of 232Th contributes significantly to the absorbed dose rate in air and the total annual committed dose due to ingestion of water. In contrast, the activity concentration of 40K contributes significantly to the absorbed dose rate in soil samples in the study area. The need for potable water for the various communities in the region cannot be over-emphasized as the total annual effective dose for all categories of ages was higher than the reference limit. The study concludes that analysis of aero-radiometry data can be an effective guide in monitoring the radioactivity level of an environment.
Assessment of sustainable geothermal potential in Patigi region, North-Central Nigeria
(ICSAEES-2024, Lagos, Nigeria, 2024) Salaudeen, S. A.; Adagunodo, T. A.; Sunmonu , L. A.; Suleman, K. O.; Ayanbisi, O. W.; Oladapo, O. F.
Background Gamma Radiation in Grazing Patch Lands and Earthen Fish Ponds in Ota, Nigeria
(ICSSD 2024, 2025) Babarimisa, I. O.; Usikalu, M. R.; Omeje, M.
The pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) concerning sound health and well being is being given much attention in many countries. This study investigates the safety of inhabited environments in relation to background gamma radiation levels linked to naturally occurring radionuclides (NORs). The research focuses on the Iju-Gas-Pipeline area, a significant settlement within the Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area, comprising both residential and commercial zones. Radioactivity levels were measured in-situ around a grazing land and an earthen fishpond located in the Iju-Gas-Pipeline grassland and valley, respectively. The impact of natural radionuclides on the area was assessed by measuring ambient gamma dose rates and specific activities of radioelements using a mobile RS-125 gamma spectrometer made by Radio Solution Inc. Evaluations of radiological health risk indices were done using the specific activities of the NORs. For the grazing land, background gamma dose rates ranged from 13.94 to 17.92 nGy/h, with an average of 15.40 nGy/h. Specific activities of NORs 40K, 238U, with 232Th varied from 0.0 to 63.20, 22.14 to 34.44, and 1.23 to 6.81 Bq/kg, respectively, yielding average values of 47.40, 27.95, and 4.62 Bq/kg. In contrast, the earthen fishpond exhibited ambient gamma dose rates from 2.54 to 10.80 nGy/h, averaging 7.54 nGy/h, with activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, with 232Th averaging 0.00, 15.17, and 2.34 Bq/kg, respectively. All measured background gamma dose rates and average activity concentrations of NORs were much below their respective threshold limits: 59.00 nGy/h; 420.00, 33.00 and 45.00 Bq/kg. Moreover, the evaluated means of the seven radiological hazard indices considered were significantly lower than their associated permissible levels: 370 Bq/kg, 1, 1, 59.00 and 84.00 nGy/h, 1 and 0.29. Therefore, this study concludes that the Iju-Gas-Pipeline area is radiologically safe.
Comparative Study of Tropospheric Scintillation Prediction Models at Covenant University, Ota, Southwest Nigeria
(Science and Technology: Developments and Applications Vol. 6,, 2025) Akinwumi, S.; Omotosho, T.; Usikalu, M; Adewusi, M.; Ometan, O.
Knowledge of tropospheric scintillation is an important phenomenon in the design of satellite communication systems especially in the case of signal propagation. Tropospheric scintillation occurrences transpire to be one of the key signal impairments that affect earth-satellite paths in modern earth-space communication systems, most importantly at higher frequency bands (both uplink and downlink). One year of scintillation data from January 2015 to December 2015 extracted from Astra 2E/2F/2G Satellite link measurement installed at Covenant University, Ota (Lat: 6.7o N, Long: 3.23o E) Southwest Nigeria, at an elevation angle of 59.9o and a frequency of 12.245 GHz was used in this study. The analysis and the result were compared with some reputable scintillation prediction models to obtain the best performance model for the Ota region. Evaluation of four existing clear-sky scintillation models namely: ITU-R, Karasawa, Otung and Van de Kamp models have been presented in this study. From the result, it was discovered that the Karasawa model gives the lowest percentage error rate for both fade and enhancement of about 0.57% at 0.1 percent of the time and 6.93% at 0.01 percent of the time respectively and therefore was best found fit for the prediction of propagation impairment for the region. However, the model should be tested further using higher frequency bands such as Ka and V bands to confirm the accuracy of the model. The information provided in this study is useful in fading margin for antenna sizing and performance needed for satellite communication links in the region. The ground measurements from Ota have confirmed that the Karasawa model gave the best prediction for tropospheric scintillation intensity for Ota and its environment.
Construction of a Biogas Digester Using Gas and Temperature Sensor
(International Journal of Environmental Engineering and Development Vol 2, 2024) AKINWUMI, Sayo A.; OSCAR, Blessing N.; MASTORAKIS, Nikos E.; AYANBISI, Oluwasegun W.; OLADAPO, Olutade F.; OGUNWALE, Emmanuel I.
The construction of a biogas digester is the ma in emphasis of this project. Biogas is a mixture of gases created during the anaerobic decomposition of organic material, including food waste, animal waste, sewage, and waste from farms and plants. One of the major causes is environmental degradation, which has emerged to be the greatest threat to the health of the environment and the economy of the underdeveloped areas. But with the discovery and application of biogas which is a gaseous fuel obtained from biomass by the process of anaerobic digestion, most problems are resolved. The project’s aim is to create a biogas digester that leverages animal manure to generate biogas for usage at Covenant University. The digester selected for construction is a barrel drum digester for the production of biogas using cow dung. The cow dung was tested for a total of 14 days, during which the days of gas production and digestion were observed, and the biogas was then tested with the gas and temperature sensor and was confirmed to detect gas and temperature.
CONSTRUCTION OF A PORTABLE SOLAR POWER SUPPLY FOR HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
(ICSSD 2024, 2025) Oluwasegun, Ayanbisi; Awolala, Emmanuel Oluwasegun; Ayodeji, Toluwani Precious; Akinyemi, M. L
There’s an ever-increasing energy demand, especially from environmentally friendly sources. This has led to several innovations centered on developing sustainable, easily accessible, and portable power supply solutions. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy have taken center stage in providing solutions to this energy demand. Solar energy is harnessed using solar panels, which have to receive solar irradiation perpendicular to its surface at all sun hours of the day to maximize output. This study constructs a portable solar power system for home appliances to meet the urgent need for more environmentally friendly, and dependable energy sources. The setup consists of a solar panel for energy collection and conversion, a charge controller for regulating the rate of charge, a battery component for charge storage, an inverter component for converting solar energy into a form that electrical devices and home appliances can use and an Arduino phase for monitoring the voltage drop. The system was tested using a 300W household blender and a 300W household electric Kettle. From the result of this study, a total voltage drop of 0.30V was experienced over 600 seconds for the 300W electric blender, and a total voltage drop of 0.69V was recorded for a 300W electric kettle, thus making it suitable. This study shows that the portable solar power system can provide home appliances with a sustainable and continuous energy supply.
Construction of an Arduino Based Smart Energy Meter
(ICSSD 2024, 2025) AKINWUMI, Sayo A.; Braide, S. M.; Arijaje, T. E.; Akinwumi, O. A.
The design of a smart energy meter with an arduino that measures the current, voltage, energy and power by an individual or small organization is very important. Electricity is among the basic requirements for the maintenance of life contents. But in our country, we have many localities where they have constant electricity and others with little or no access to electricity. Consumers are dissatisfied with the services been provided by the electricity company, and the absurdity in monthly bills are the most common source of displeasure. The issue of having outrageous bills despite the lack of electricity, the ignorance of how much voltage and current is being used in homes led to this creation of this project. This focuses on the system’s problem which entails workforce, time consumption and manipulations of readings by an official authority while producing the bill to the consumer. This project consists of the following components Energy Meter, Arduino DANO Board, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Module, Capacitor, Mobile Phone, Load, Current sensor acs712, Voltage sensor, Transformer, Vero Board, and liquid crystal display (LCD). The energy meter continually monitors the readings and the Arduino processes this data and the readings are uploaded on the liquid crystal display (LCD) of the device and when the readings are taken the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module posts the readings to the thingspeak on the mobile phone. The constructed device displayed the energy, power, current and voltage been consumed with varying loads used and the readings were uploaded on the platform used (thingspeak). The results shows that at 153 W it was at its highest point and at 132 W it was at the lowest point when plotted with time. From the results, it shows that the device is working perfectly. There was fluctuation in the power, voltage and currents but constant increase in the energy. Asides from the saving of cost in relation to remote reading of meters, it is hoped that implementation will encourage energy efficiency and raise awareness of energy consumption and demand side participation in the national energy market. This project is recommended for the electricity power company (PHCN) and it is also recommended for individuals that reside in some localities because it would help save cost and it is convenient.
Delineation of structural lineaments of Shaki West Southwestern Nigeria using high resolution aeromagnetic data
(Journal of the Nigerian Society of Physical Sciences, 2025) Adedokun, O. M.; Oladejo, O. P.; Alao, K. N.; Adeniyi, E. O.; Otobrise, H.; Suleman, K. O.; Adagunodo, T. A.; Adedokun, O.; Sunmonu, L. A.
Aminor earthquake, known as earth tremor, often occurs in areas prone to seismic activity. However, there is a notable gap in knowledge about earth tremors, with little documentation conducted before 1987, but a series of notable events between 1990 and 2000 prompted researchers to delve deeper into the study of earth tremors in Nigeria. Therefore, this study is aimed at delineating the structural lineaments of Shaki West Southwestern Nigeria using High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data (HRAD) to identify the underlying basement geology and define the structural framework of the study area. The study area’s aeromagnetic data of Shaki (Sheet 199) underwent processing and interpretation using Oasis Montaj software to assess basement configuration and structural integrity. The data were further enhanced using the Total Horizontal Derivative (THDR) in order to determine the orientations of the lineaments in the study area. The orientations of the lineaments obtained from THDR map revealed that the Pan African orogeny constitutes 52%; Kibaran orogeny constitutes 31%, while Liberian orogeny constitutes 17% lineaments in the study area. The upward continuation maps suggest the presence of faults at the depth range of 2.0-2.25 km. The overall depth to magnetic sources of the area is relatively shallow compared to sedimentary basement area. Based on orientation of faults on magnetic fault map obtained from the superposition of the lineaments extracted from THDR map on the geological map of the study area, three distinct set of sinistral /dextral faults were recognized in Shaki west local government area which includes: E-W, NE-SW and NW-SE fault trend. This suggests that NE-SW and NE-SE fault-set could be responsible for the tremor experienced in Shaki west southwestern, Nigeria. It is concluded that the study area is not immune from experiencing occurrences of tremors from time to time
Development and Evaluation of Efficient Smart Solar Lawn Mower
(7th International Conference on Science and Sustainable Development and Workshop, 2024) Onuabuchi, E. M.; Ekeopara, J. U.; Sule, Rasidi; Ayanbisi, O.; Akinwumi, S. A.; Olawole, O. C.; Ogunwale, E.
Solar powered lawn mower has offered a more convenient way of trimming the lawn due to the advancement in its technology. As the world gradually moves towards green technology, research has geared towards making solar powered mover readily available, efficient, and economical. However, few reports were available on the effect of grass types on battery voltage drop. In this paper, solar powered lawn mower was structured into phases which include, power supply phase, Arduino phase, motor phase and integration of the components. The 550-motor was sufficient to produce the required torque needed to drive the solar panel mower. The average efficiency of the solar panel was found to be 93 %. The battery voltage drop was investigated upon cutting different types of grasses to determine the rate at which power is dissipated in the solar powered lawn mower. The voltage drop of 0.34 V was recorded when cutting stubborn grass while that of soft grass was found to be 0.17 V. Rain sensor was incorporated to provide the user with a notification via Buzzer whenever raindrops are detected.
Development and Performance Evaluation of Portable water cooling system using thermoelectric peltier modules
(ICSSD 2024, 2025) Adeniji, A. P.; Sule, Rasidi; Ogunwale, E. I.; Ayara, W. A.
High global temperatures have increased the occurrence of heat waves in most parts of the world, and this has increased the utility cost as more cooling devices are being produced for adaptation. This study deals with the performance evaluation of a portable water-cooling system using thermoelectric peltier modules. The experimental setup involved measuring the temperature reduction of water samples for different volumes (500 ml, 750 ml, and 1000 ml) over 60 minutes at equal interval. The peltier module TEC1-12706 was used with voltage of 12 V. The heat sink was used to enhance the absorbed heat transfer in the system while Arduino Uno serves as the central control unit. Results showed that effective temperature reductions were achieved with cooling capacities (Qc) for different volumes of water. The system coefficient of performance (COP) ranges from 0.12 to 0.13.
Development of Energy-Efficient Smart Switch and Lighting System
(ICSSD 2024, 2025) Usikalu, M. R.; Okogbue, S. C.; Ogunwale, E. I.
The need for better security measures in controlling access to vital utilities bring about the high demand for smart home systems. In this project a smart switch and socket system was developed using the ESP8266 microcontroller and the Blynk application as wireless control. The main goal is to design and implement a cost-effective system that ensures dependable remote control and monitoring of electrical devices. The project provides a functional prototype capable of managing device states and enabling power cut-off for safety especially in school environments, to enhance child safety by adding the ESP8266 with relay modules. The Blynk app was used which facilitates effective monitoring and control of various electrical loads. Effective monitoring and control of various loads was facilitated by the Blynk app. The results showed that the microcontroller’s response time in putting on relay 1 and putting off relay 2 respectively were 1.2 and 1.1 seconds. In case when the load exceeds the safe limit, it ensures power cut off enhancing the safety and reliability
Eco-friendly Weather Monitoring Device using Arduino Mega and Sensor Integration
(ICSAEES-2024, Lagos, Nigeria, 2024) AKINWUMI, Sayo A.; Okey-Amadi, O.; Ayara, W. A.; Akinwumi, O. A.
The project involved the construction of a hardware setup, utilizing the Arduino Mega as the central control unit. The BME280 sensor was employed to monitor temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, providing comprehensive weather data. The SGP30 sensor was utilized for analyzing air quality, detecting various pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. The MQ135 gas sensor enabled the detection of harmful gases, including ammonia, nitrogen dioxide and benzene. The integration of a 16x4 LCD display allowed for real-time visualization of the collected weather data, providing users with immediate insights. Tactile switches, along with 10k ohm resistors, were used for user interaction, enabling menu navigation and system control. The DS1302 RTC module facilitated accurate timestamping of data readings, while the SD card module enabled data logging for long-term analysis and storage. The successful construction of the Weather Monitoring System demonstrated its capabilities in terms of accuracy, reliability, and real-time monitoring. The integration of Arduino Mega, along with the BME280, SGP30, MQ135, LCD display, push buttons, 10kohm resistors, DS1302 RTC module, and SD card module, provided a comprehensive solution for weather data collection, analysis, and visualization. This project contributes to the advancement of weather monitoring systems, emphasizing the importance of Arduino-based solutions and sensor integration. It highlights the potential for utilizing such technology to address weather challenges effectively, enabling datadriven decision-making and fostering weather awareness. Overall, the Weather Monitoring System presented in this project report offers a valuable tool for monitoring and analyzing atmospheric conditions, paving the way for future enhancements and applications in various weather monitoring domains.
Effects of Aerosol Scattering Attenuation on Free-Space Optical Link Performance in Owerri, Southeast, Nigeria
(Science and Technology: Developments and Applications Vol. 8,, 2025) Akinwumi, A.; Ayo-Akanbi, O.; Omotosho, T. V; Arijaje, T; Ometan, T.; Adewusi, O.
High-speed, point-to-point data transmission through laser beams across terrestrial networks is sometimes referred to as "Free-Space Optics" (FSO). Multimedia applications including social networks, OTT platforms, video conferencing, and multimedia streaming are driving up the demand for data rates and channel bandwidth, which has led to a telecommunications bottleneck. In spite of the several benefits of using free-space optical (FSO) communication systems as complementary platforms for next-generation networks, the existence of atmospheric disturbances such as fog and scintillations are key sources of signal impairment that affect system performance. Thus, it is crucial to learn about the specific weather patterns of the areas where FSO lines will be installed. The purpose of this work is to estimate the availability performance of FSO lines broadcasting at both 850 nm and 1550 nm by performing a statistical analysis of meteorological visibility data gathered for Owerri in Nigeria over a 21-year period (2000-2021). The results show that the visibility during the most common fog events in Owerri is 100 meters. The probabilities of encountering and exceeding the scattering attenuations associated with Owerri's most common fog event are 0.0002 and 0.0229, respectively. This research could be expanded in the future by exploring the effects of varying localized climatic conditions on the many forms of optical signals, such as plane, spherical, and Gaussian beam waves. This would aid in the modelling of different forms of attenuation for deployment sites of FSO or hybrid FSO systems.
Environmental assessment of radionuclide exposure in packaged borehole water exploited from crystalline rocks in Ogbomoso
(ICSAEES-2024, Lagos, Nigeria, 2024) Oladipo, A. E.; Aremu, A. A.; Adeniji, A. A.; Ayinla, T. O.; Babarimisa, I. O.; Morakinyo, R. O.; Araka, I. O.; James, U. E.
The amounts of naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 238U and 232Th) in packaged borehole water manufacture have been investigated in this work. Furthermore, the buildup of radioactive materials in drinking water presents a direct path for human population exposure to internal radiation. The amount of radioactivity in the processed and unprocessed water samples was measured using gamma spectrometry and a computer-resident quantum multichannel analyser (MCA 2100R) connected to a well-calibrated and shielded NaI (Tl) detector. From the results, it was revealed that the values of activity concentration of processed water ranges between 50.46 ± 3.14 Bq/L to 102.18 ± 14.07 Bq/L, 7.92 ± 4.46 to 16.71 Bq/L, and 10.00 ± 0.84 Bq/L to 14.87 ± 4.03 Bq/L for 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively. Also, the results obtained for the activity concentration of unprocessed water ranges between 74.51 ± 3.51 Bq/L to 102.21 ± 7.23 Bq/L, 14.86 ± 1.91 Bq/L to 19.87 ± 3.10 Bq/L and 10.00 ± 3.36 Bq/L to 17.79 ± 4.43 Bq/L for 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively. The results confirmed the presence of40K as a principal occurring radionuclide in the water samples. The annual effective dose for processed water ranges from 0.012 to 0.017 mSyr-1, while it ranges between 0.015 and 0.020 mSyr-1 for unprocessed water. Results in the present study fall below 0.1 mSyr-1, which is the acceptable limit recommended by International Commission on Radiological Protection standard value.
Environmental Impact of Pre-occupational radon level measurements in medical imaging facilities of a tertiary hospital in south-west Nigeria
(ICSAEES-2024, Lagos, Nigeria, 2024) Aremu, A. A.; Oni, O. M.; Oladipo, A. E.; Oladapo, O. O.; Obafemi, Y. D.; Oniha, M. I.; Babarimisa, I. O.; James, U. E.
Radiation facilities are placed in an enclosed environment to prevent scattered radiation from getting out of the room, by so doing the rooms foil gas exchange from the outdoor environment, thereby increasing the radon concentration in the indoor air. This study aimed at estimating the occupational radon exposure level in medical facility room in order to estimate the radiological risk in such environment. RAD7 electronic device was used to measure theindoor radon concentration in the five proposed roomsin the newly built Radiology department of a University Teaching Hospital while a digital thermometer was used to measure the ambient temperature. The radon concentrations ranged between 12.09Bq/m3and 58.52 Bq/m3. The ultrasound room has the least average value of 12.09 Bqm-3 and the Fluoroscopy room has the maximum average value of 58.52 Bqm-3. The radon level translated into the effective dose, working level and excess life-time cancer risk for any worker staying for a period of nine hours per day, over a year. Fluoroscopy facility was estimated to present the highest annual absorbed dose and annual effective dose with 0.73 mSvy-1 and 0.8858 mSv y-1, respectively.The mean radon concentration for the five rooms was 41.96Bq/m3. The calculated annual effective dose rate and the mean annual absorbed dose rate to the lung within the radiation facilities rooms were 0.529 mSvy- 1and 0.6350 mSv y-1, respectively.The indoor radon concentrations measured and the effective dose value of 200 Bq/m3 and 1 mSvy-1 respectively is below the reference limitset by International Commission Radiation Protection (ICRP) Agency.This implies that the radiation facility rooms are in conformity with international best practices and this is in agreement with SDG 3 (Good Health and well –being)
Flood Losses Estimation, Mitigation and Coping Strategies among Rice Farmers in Benue State, Nigeria
(International Conference on Science, Engineering and Business for Driving Sustainable Development Goals (SEB4SDG), 2025) Ajibade, Y. E.; Folayan, J. A.; Akinyemi, M.; Gbadamosi, A. O.
This study estimated losses incurred by rice farmers during flood, identified mitigation practices adopted, compared output and income of rice farmers before and during flood. Also, ascertained coping strategies by rice farmers during flood in Northern Agricultural zone of Benue State, Nigeria. The study administered well structured questionnaire to elicit primary data from one hundred and twenty rice farmers in area submerged by flood. Direct Loss Estimation model, Descriptive statistics, Z test and three-point Likert scale were the analytical tools employed. The results indicated an average estimated total loss of above two million naira with submerged infrastructure, affected farm land, submerged rice crop, infrastructure repair, farmland repair and other repairs embedded as loss component. The results revealed that fifty percent of the respondents harvested less than five hundred kilogramme of paddy rice per hectare, about forty-six percent harvested between five hundred to one thousand kilogramme paddy rice per hectare while about four percent harvested above one thousand kilogramme paddy rice per hectare. The results showed that all rice farmers’ output in the period of flood was less than five hundred kilogramme paddy rice per hectare. About ninety eight percent of the respondents made an average income of between three hundred thousand naira and six hundred naira per hectare from the sales of paddy rice before flood while all were able to generate between one hundred thousand naira and at most three hundred thousand naira only per hectare during flood. The results showed significance differences in both output and income of rice farmers before and during flood at one percent respectively. The results revealed that the mitigating practises found to be used effective against flood by rice farmers include planting climate tolerant rice varieties, early planting of rice, diversification into non-farm activities, harvesting early to avoid total crop damage. The results also revealed that borrowing money from friends, relatives and neighbours, sold of livestock, spending personal savings, premature harvesting of crops and migration to other flood free communities were the coping strategies adopted during flood to ensure livelihood and food security in the area. Therefore, government and non-governmental organization should find solution by orientating farmers on the possibility of flood due to certain climatic factors and proffer effective measures and policy to mitigate against frequent occurrences, while farmers and communities should desist from actions and practices that could foster grievous consequences, huge economic losses and food insecurity in the area.
Geophysical Investigation of the Subsurface Structural Competency Around College of Computing and Communication Studies, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, South West Nigeria
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS), 2024) Kolawole, T.; Ajani. O. O.; Adeniji, A. A.; Aweda, F. O.; Adagunodo, T. A.
Mapping of the subsurface structures within the environment is highly essential in engineering site characterization. The subsurface structure around the college of computing and communication studies, Bowen University Nigeria was studied using the very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and the geo-electrical resistivity method. This was aimed with a view to investigate the weak and competent geological zones. In this study, five traverses were generated for both the VLF-EM and geoelectrical resistivity method, using the VLF-EM 16 equipment and OHMMEGA-Terrameter respectively. The results of the VLF-EM revealed the presence of positive and negative anomalies responses. The positive anomalies indicate the weak zones, which may be caused by geological structures such as faults/fractures, and contacts between rocks and the negative anomalies indicate the competent zones, which may be due to hard rock/laterite. The geo-electrical resistivity results revealed the vertical and lateral inverted resistivity values of the subsurface structure. The result revealed four layers such as top soil, weathered layer, fractured and fresh basement. From both the interpreted results, the weak/fractured zones mapped in the basement are points of interest in this research. The results of the investigation revealed that the probable cause(s) of the structural failures within the study area are evidence of geological features mapped as fracture and clayey formation that is present in the study area. Therefore, in order to evade future structural problems and minimize capitals used in restoring distressed structures in the University, a geophysicist services should be engaged for pre-foundation studies, which will act as a guide before and during construction.