The Use of Instrumental Neutron Activation Technique to quantify Na, K, Fe, Co, and Zn in Ajiwa Dam Sediments Employing a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor

Authors

  • Haruna Halilu
    Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria
  • Emmanuel Joseph
    Department of Physics, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State

Keywords:

Ajiwa Dam, INAA, trace elements, sediments, NIRR-1 reactor, radiological assessment

Abstract

Identifying and quantifying trace amounts of chemical elements in a sample particularly in sediments has helped researchers to understand their characteristics. This study investigates the elemental composition of five essential elements for plants growth and radiological significance of Ajiwa Dam sediments using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) at the NIRR-1 Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Concentrations of Na, K, Fe, Co, and Zn were quantified in ten sediment samples collected from different locations around the dam randomly selected. The results show dominance of Fe and K, with mean concentrations of 19,811 mg/kg and 10,622 mg/kg respectively, followed by Na (1,400 mg/kg), Zn (43.3 mg/kg), and Co (4.9 mg/kg). Statistical analysis revealed moderate variation among elements (CV = 16–37%) and strong correlations between Fe–Co (r = 0.82) and Fe–Zn (r = 0.74), suggesting common lithogenic origins. Radiological evaluation based on potassium-40 (K-40) activity yielded an average absorbed dose rate of 4.2 nGy/h and an annual effective dose of 0.0051 mSv/year, well below the global average limit (0.07 mSv/year). The findings indicate that Ajiwa Dam sediments are geochemically natural and radiologically safe for aquatic life and human use.

Author Biography

Haruna Halilu

Department of Physics, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria

Dimensions

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Correlation Heatmap of Elements displaying inter-elemental relationships

Published

2025-11-04

How to Cite

The Use of Instrumental Neutron Activation Technique to quantify Na, K, Fe, Co, and Zn in Ajiwa Dam Sediments Employing a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor. (2025). Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics, 2(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.62292/njap-v2i1-2026-28

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics - Vol. 2 No. 1

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How to Cite

The Use of Instrumental Neutron Activation Technique to quantify Na, K, Fe, Co, and Zn in Ajiwa Dam Sediments Employing a Miniature Neutron Source Reactor. (2025). Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics, 2(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.62292/njap-v2i1-2026-28

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