Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu | Federal University Lafia. Nasarawa State. Nigeria (original) (raw)

Papers by Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu

This research paper investigates and presents the ambient radiation levels (in mSv/yr) in Keffi, ... more This research paper investigates and presents the ambient radiation levels (in mSv/yr) in Keffi, Nigeria. A halogen-quenched GM detector (Inspector Alert Nuclear Radiation Monitor SN: 3544) was used for the purpose of the study. Some areas were found to have a relatively higher indoor dose, while others had a higher outdoor dose equivalent rate ranging from 0.81 to 1.27mSv/yr and 0.21 to 0.28mSv/yr for the outdoor and the indoor radiation levels respectively. The mean outdoor and indoor radiation levels were found to be 0.25 and 1.08mSv/yr respectively, and are in good approximation with the internationally approved annual dose limits for members of the public (1mSv/yr). The outdoor and indoor ratio was computed to be 23.1%.

Progress in Nuclear Science and Technology, 2012

KKK0"Ocnc{ukc"Gpgti{"Qwvnqqm"cpf"Tguqwtegu" "Hkiwtg" 3" shows the scenario of energy demand in Ma... more KKK0"Ocnc{ukc"Gpgti{"Qwvnqqm"cpf"Tguqwtegu" "Hkiwtg" 3" shows the scenario of energy demand in Malaysia 4). The figure shows the load demand for the past four years and the load demand for the first quarter of year 2010. The graph shows a significant rise in peak demand from 2007 to 2009. However, peak demand in 2010 increases drastically compared to the previous years. It shows that a much larger power supply is projected for the future. However, the national energy largest supplier, Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) stated that no new plant is scheduled for installation from now until 2015.

Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 2016

Objective: This paper scrutinizes the available literature and presents a comprehensive overview ... more Objective: This paper scrutinizes the available literature and presents a comprehensive overview of nuclear fire safety, acknowledging some areas for future research. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Relevant literatures on the aircraft impact upon nuclear reactor containment were reviewed. Scope, findings and limitations of major researches in this field were presented and possible areas of future research were highlighted. A statistical analysis on the number of scientific publications on nuclear fire safety per five years which present the progress in the subject matter was reported. The analysis considered 1968 and 2015 as the base and end years respectively. Findings: In general, some of the identified challenging issues and limitations of nuclear fire studies are: (i) there are limited experimental data on real nuclear fire (ii) studies which considered the impact of external events like aircraft crash on containment gave little or no considerations to tendon gallery, openings and penetrations as in most cases, crash were hypothetically assumed to occur at the midpoint of the cylindrical portion of the containment and near the junction of dome without making recourse to the other portions of the containment e.g. roofing and reactor base (iii) Most reactor fire analysis do not consider material properties at elevated temperatures (iv) in the hazard analysis concerning aircraft impact, assessment of hazards from fireball and pool fire are yet to be fully considered (v) there are very limited data concerning structural failure modes caused by nearfield explosive loading. Application/Improvement: The findings of this article could be used to improve the existing methodologies of nuclear fire safety assessment in order to address some of the identified challenging issues.

Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2013

A potential site has been selected for a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Mersing District of Malaysi... more A potential site has been selected for a Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Mersing District of Malaysia. This study aims at providing the base line data of this district for the first time, in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for NPP sitting criteria. The mean dose rate, mean population weighted dose rate, annual effective dose and collective effective dose are found to be 140 nGy h-1 , 0.836 mSv y-1 , 0.857 mSv and 0.591 ×10 2 man Sv y-1 , respectively. A hyper Purity Germanium Detector (HPGe) is used in determining the activity concentrations of 232 Th, 226 Ra and 40 K. The activity concentration ranges from 16 ± 1 to 410 ± 15 Bq kg-1 for 232 Th, 17 ± 1 to 271 ± 8 Bq kg-1 for 226 Ra and 13 ± 3 to 1434 ± 57 Bq kg-1 for 40 K. In addition, a Low Background Alpha Beta Series 5 XLB Automatic was used in the determination of gross alpha and gross beta activity. The result ranges from 202 ± 50 Bq kg-1 to 2325 ± 466 Bq kg-1 for gross alpha and 164 ± 17 Bq kg-1 to 2447 ± 103 Bq kg-1 for gross beta. Contour maps were produced for isodose, activity concentration of 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K, gross alpha and gross beta for the study area. The results are compared with UNSCEAR 2000.

Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences

A preliminary study which aimed materials (NORMs) for River Yobe along the coastal areas of the r... more A preliminary study which aimed materials (NORMs) for River Yobe along the coastal areas of the river as 238 U, 232 Th and 40 K. Gamma spectrometry technique using NaI determine the specific activities of the soil samples for 238 U, 232 Th and for the sediment samples are 60 some cases exceed the world reference value respectively. Parameters of radiological the radionuclides to assess the radiological results were found to be within the worldwide recommende

Measurements of environmental surface radiation dose rate in Kelantan state, Malaysia was carried... more Measurements of environmental surface radiation dose rate in Kelantan state, Malaysia was carried out using a portable hand held radiation survey meter and Global Positioning System (GPS). The surface radiation dose rates ranged from 44 to 500 nGy h-1. The measurements were done based on geology and soil types of the area. The mean radiation dose rate was found to be 209 ± 8 nGy h-1. Few areas of relatively enhanced activity were located in Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah and Jeli districts which have external gamma dose rates between 300 to 500 nGy h _1. An Isodose map of the state was produced using ArcGIS10 software version 10.1. To evaluate the radiological hazard due to terrestrial gamma dose, the annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), the mean population weighted dose rate and cancer risk factor were calculated and found to be relative excess lifetime cancer risks were 1.280 mSv y-1 , 18 mSv and 1.04×10-3 respectively.

The evaluation uses the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) guideline documents as main referenc... more The evaluation uses the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) guideline documents as main reference, supported by regulation documents from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 4 safety parameters are used in the assessment-geological characteristic, air dispersion (meteorological) analysis, population data and safety characteristics. This study ranked 4 proposed areas possible candidate site area for NPP in Mersing district.

Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 2017

A study was conducted to estimate the terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) dose rates associated wit... more A study was conducted to estimate the terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR) dose rates associated with the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K in the characteristic geological formations of Jos Plateau. A total of 51 surface soils from all the geological units were collected and measured using high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry system. From the measured activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K, TGR dose rates in air outdoors 1 m above ground surface, were estimated to be in the range of 36 nGy h-1 to 456 nGy h-1, depending on the geological formation, with an overall mean value of 143 nGy h-1. The estimated mean value is by a factor of two higher than the world average value of 59 nGy h-1. Geological formation G8 (Younger granites) appear to have the highest mean TGR dose rate while G7 (sandstone, clay and shale) show the lowest mean TGR dose rate. The results of this study inferred that, TGR dose rates outdoors for Jos Plateau differs with the different geological forma...

Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2017

In-situ measurement of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates (TGRD) was conducted in northern zo... more In-situ measurement of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates (TGRD) was conducted in northern zone of Jos Plateau and a statistical relationship between the TGRD and the underlying geological formations was investigated. The TGRD rates in all the measurements ranged from 40 to 1265 nGy h −1 with a mean value of 250 nGy h −1. The maximum TGDR was recorded on geological type G8 (Younger Granites) at Bisitchi, and the lowest TGDR was recorded on G6 (Basaltic rocks) at Gabia. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical test was used to compared the data. Significantly, the results of this study inferred a strong relationship between TGRD levels with geological structures of a place. An isodose map was plotted to represent exposure rates due to TGRD. The results of this investigation could be useful for multiple public interest such as evaluating public dose for the area.

Jurnal Teknologi, 2015

Assessment of natural radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) and terrestrial gamma radiation dose r... more Assessment of natural radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) and terrestrial gamma radiation dose rates (TGRD) in major rivers of Kelantan states, Malaysia were conducted. Measurements were carried out using a portable [NaI(TI)] micro roentgen (µR) survey meter and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for in situ TGRD and the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in water samples, respectively. The mean TGRD was found to be 312.98 nGy h-1 and from water samples analyzed, the mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K was found to be 13.31 mBq L-1, 4.39 mBq L-1 and 1118.72 mBq L-1 which were about 3 times and slightly higher than the world average values of 5 mBq L-1 and 3 mBq L-1 respectively.

Re Debate: Response to SMJ Mortazavi The world's high background natural radiation areas (HBN... more Re Debate: Response to SMJ Mortazavi The world's high background natural radiation areas (HBNRAs) revisited: A broad overview of the dosimetric, epidemiological and radiobiological issues This is a response to the comments made by SMJ Mortazavi on the recent paper The world's high background natural radiation areas (HBNRAs) revisited: A broad overview of the dosimetric, epidemiological and radiobiological issues by Aliyu and Ramli (2015). The Debate highlighted some of the broader issues in need of clarification on this general topic. We wish to use this opportunity to present some arguments based on documented literature on the effects of chronic exposure to low-dose rate radiation and the challenges of HBNRA cohort epidemiological studies (e.g. in Ramsar, Iran) which have made interpretation of HBNRA studies challenging. Despite the fact that Ramsar is a large city with a significant population, the population affected by HBNRA is inadequate for cohort epidemiological stud...

The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in environmental medium such as ... more The activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides in environmental medium such as soil play an important role in setting national and international average doses to public for radiation protection purposes. This work measures the activity concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides (226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K) in soil samples of Terengganu state, Malaysia using hyper pure germanium (HPGe) spectrometry. The mean (range) activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40K in the soil samples 79 ± 3 (20 ± 1-151 ± 5) Bq kg-1 with the mean value of Bq kg-1 for 226 Ra; 84 ± 3 (8 ± 1-182 ± 6) Bq kg-1 for 232 Th, and 545 ± 55 (47 ± 5-1056 ± 107) Bq kg-1 for 40K. Upon comparing these values with the world averages for 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K, which are 33, 36 and 474 Bq kg −1 , respectively. It is therefore, evidently seen that the mean activity concentrations of 226 Ra and 232 Th in the soil of Terengganu are slightly more than twice their corresponding global average...

Ambio, 2015

The tin mining activities in the suburbs of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, have resulted in technic... more The tin mining activities in the suburbs of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, have resulted in technical enhancement of the natural background radiation as well as higher activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides in the topsoil of mining sites and their environs. Several studies have considered the radiological human health risks of the mining activity; however, to our knowledge no documented study has investigated the radiological impacts on biota. Hence, an attempt is made to assess potential hazards using published data from the literature and the ERICA Tool. This paper considers the effects of mining and milling on terrestrial organisms like shrubs, large mammals, small burrowing mammals, birds (duck), arthropods (earth worm), grasses, and herbs. The dose rates and risk quotients to these organisms are computed using conservative values for activity concentrations of natural radionuclides reported in Bitsichi and Bukuru mining areas. The results suggest that grasses, herbs, lichens, bryophytes and shrubs receive total dose rates that are of potential concern. The effects of dose rates to specific indicator species of interest are highlighted and discussed. We conclude that further investigation and proper regulations should be set in place in order to reduce the risk posed by the tin mining activity on biota. This paper also presents a brief overview of the impact of mineral mining on biota based on documented literature for other countries.

Effective dose from natural background radiation in Keffi and Akwanga towns, central Nigeria Prev... more Effective dose from natural background radiation in Keffi and Akwanga towns, central Nigeria Previous studies have shown that areas with high background radiation are found in Yangjiang, China; Kerele, India; and Ramsar, Iran (7) ; and in Asia, maximum outdoor measurement was recorded in Malaysia and the maximum indoor measurement was recorded in Hong

Radiation Measurements, 2015

The residents of the world's high background natural radiation areas (HBNRAs), such as Ramsar... more The residents of the world's high background natural radiation areas (HBNRAs), such as Ramsar (in Iran), Guarapari (in Brazil), Orissa and Kerala (in India) and Yangjiang (in China) have lived in these areas for generations under extraordinary radiation fields. The failure of earlier epidemiological studies to report any substantial increase in cancer incidence in HBNRAs has raised some controversy regarding the validity of the linear no-threshold hypothesis. This paper reviews some of the most recent studies of HBNRAs with the intent of stimulating greater research interest in the dosimetric, epidemiological and radiobiological issues related to the world's HBNRAs and proposes solutions to the challenges facing HBNRA studies. This paper may serve as a useful reference for some of the harder-to-find literature.

International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, 2013

This paper attempts to explore to what extent a first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will improve the ... more This paper attempts to explore to what extent a first Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will improve the energy situation in Nigeria and investigates the socio-economic impacts of the NPP on the communities where the facilities are to be sited. Other issues that are addressed in this paper include the policy issues, lack of investments in power infrastructure and the security threat owing to incessant domestic militancy or terrorism. The paper then outlines the ways to tackle these problems and concludes that despite the facts that the addition of nuclear power into Nigeria's energy mix will help in curtailing the country's energy crisis, it also poses some challenges to the country that the policy and decision-makers must take into consideration right from the preliminary stages of the programme.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2015

Sustainable energy supply is essential for actualizing Malaysia's vision to become a high-income ... more Sustainable energy supply is essential for actualizing Malaysia's vision to become a high-income country. The current power production and demand trends show that Malaysia has a reserve margin that will only last for the next few years. This calls for further investment, research and development in the country's power sector in order to meet the ever increasing energy demand. The government's diversification policy and power sector expansion plan emphasizes on the incorporation of renewable energy sources (RESs) and other less CO 2 emitting sources like nuclear into the national energy mix. However, the environmental ramifications of this policy should be part of any future expansion plan of national grid. This paper presents a panoramic overview of the Malaysian energy sector, the energy policy revolution and the power sector expansion strategy towards secure sustainability. We want to bring into focus the benefits and challenges of Malaysia's power sector expansion plan with the aim of stimulating further discussion and research on the environmental ramifications of the plan.

Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, 2014

The US Environmental Protection Agency's short-range atmospheric dispersion model (AERMOD 12345) ... more The US Environmental Protection Agency's short-range atmospheric dispersion model (AERMOD 12345) is a good candidate for radiological dose calculations to the general public and the environment. It advanced capability should provide better confidence in the accuracy of offsite dose and risk assessment. The code has been used to compute the scaling factors for air concentration and ground level deposition of fission products based on routine and hypothetical accident releases from the NPP site in Geregu, Nigeria (7°33 0 N, 6°41 0 E). All computations were within the 16 km emergency planing zone of a generic reactor design considered by the study. The scaling factors have been used to assess the potential environmental risk of the NPP using an integrated approach to the assessment and management of environmental risks from ionizing radiation (D-ERICA). Obtained results should provide baseline information for decision making in terms of operation license provision for the pioneer NPP.

Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2014

This study assesses the 'radio-ecological' impacts of Fukushima nuclear accident on non-human bio... more This study assesses the 'radio-ecological' impacts of Fukushima nuclear accident on non-human biota using the ERICA Tool, which adopts an internationally verified methodology. The paper estimates the impacts of the accident on terrestrial and marine biota based on the environmental data reported in literature for Japan, China, South Korea and the USA. Discernible impacts have been detected in the marine biota around Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This study confirms that the Fukushima accident had caused heavier damage to marine bionts compared with terrestrial flora and fauna, in Japan.