Gross Alpha and Beta Activity Concentrations in Locally Processed Salt from Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Salt lakes and small – scaled salt production in Ebonyi State, Nigeria have long interesting history and the need to be informed of the radiological quality of the salt is essential to radiation measurement and protection agencies. Gross alpha and beta activity concentrations have been determined in locally processed salt samples and iodized sachet salt samples consumed in Ohaozara Local Government Area and neighboring towns in Ebonyi State using Protean Instrument Corporation (PIC) MPC 2000 DP proportional counter. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in Okposi Okwu salt were found to vary from 0.0057 to 0.0082 with a mean of 0.0063±0.0002 Bq/g and from 0.2393 to 12.12 with a mean of 1.763±1.160 Bq/g respectively; for Uburu salt between 0.0058 to 0.0068 with a mean of 0.0061±0.0001 Bq/g and from 0.2204 to 63.46 with a mean of 20.0150±8.1065 Bq/g for gross alpha and beta activity respectively; while the gross alpha and beta activity concentrations of the iodized sachet salt ranged from 0.0055 to 0.0067 with a mean of 0.0059±0.0001 Bq/g and 2.136 to 25.92 with a mean of 7.217±0.0001 Bq/g respectively. Findings showed that the mean gross alpha activity results for the three brands were in good agreement whereas, gross beta activity concentrations for Uburu salt and iodized sachet salt were respectively about 13.37 and 4.09 times higher than that of Okposi Okwu salt. The trend of the mean of gross alpha activity concentration of the three brands of salt in this study shows that Okposi Okwu salt > Uburu salt > industrial sachet salt while that of gross beta activity shows that Uburu salt > industrial sachet salt > Okposi Okwu salt. The results of the gross beta and, sum of gross alpha and beta activity concentrations are greater than the standard activity limit for general consumed foods which is given as 0.1 Bq/g. High consumption of Okposi Okwu salt brand by the populace may have radiological impact on them as a result of the relatively high level of beta radiation. It is suggested that as a means of radiological protection, These salt brands should be screened for radioactivity concentration before consumption.