article · Scientific Reports
An assessment of 52 soil samples collected around three hospital waste sites in Anambra State evaluated natural radionuclide activity and associated radiation hazards. Measurements of radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40 using gamma-ray spectrometry revealed that radium-226 and thorium-232 concentrations exceeded global recommended averages, with over 60 percent of samples surpassing these benchmarks. Absorbed dose rates at two sites exceeded safety thresholds, while annual gonadal equivalent doses across all examined locations surpassed recommended limits. Excess lifetime cancer risk and representative level indices approached their permissible values. Statistical analyses indicated heterogeneous spatial patterns and significant variability, suggesting that human activities influenced the radionuclide concentrations. Furthermore, stochastic risk assessments using Monte Carlo simulations highlighted heightened risks of long-term cancer effects, pointing to an urgent need for targeted mitigation strategies to control exposure.
Improper disposal of hospital waste can elevate soil radioactivity and create hidden environmental hazards for surrounding communities. When radionuclides exceed safe thresholds, nearby populations face heightened risks of prolonged radiation exposure and associated health issues, including cancer. Demonstrating these elevated radiological levels highlights the necessity for stricter waste management policies and regular environmental monitoring to protect public health around healthcare facilities.
The findings represent early-stage environmental baseline research rather than an applied commercial product. The data could inform the design of soil remediation programmes, environmental consulting assessments, or improved healthcare waste containment standards for municipal authorities and waste management operators. However, the abstract outlines no specific product, commercial pathway, or technology readiness level, focusing entirely on site characterisation and risk identification.
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Abstract The study focused on measuring radionuclides in 52 soil samples collected around three hospital dumpsites in Anambra State using gamma-ray spectrometry and assessing the associated radiological risks. The average activity concentrations (Bq/kg) of the natural occurring radionuclides ( 226 Ra, 232 Th, and 40 K) in soils of ANA1 (39.02 ± 18.97, 44.71 ± 23.52, and 72.97 ± 54.18), ANA2 (45.42 ± 21.10, 54.52 ± 26.52, and 140.74 ± 67.51), and ANA3 (52.10 ± 26.16, 66.73 ± 30.03, and 157.55 ± 86.64) were above global recommended averages for 226 Ra and 232 Th, with more than 60% of the samples having their concentrations above global averages. The radiological effects (average) indicated that the absorbed dose rate for ANA2 and ANA3 was above the threshold; the Representative Level Index and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risks for the study areas were high, close to their permissible values; and the Annual Gonadal Equivalent Doses for the study areas were above the recommended value. Other estimated radiological indices were within their acceptable limits. The statistical analyses showed high variability and heterogeneous spatial patterns, with near-normal distributions, suggesting anthropogenicity influenced concentrations. Stochastic risk assessments using Monte Carlo simulation revealed high risks of cancer effects over long-term exposure. The study reinforced concerns about radiation exposure near hospital waste sites and the urgent need to develop effective mitigation strategies to reduce risks.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-69791-x
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