Industrial Activities and Their Role in Future Radiological Pollution in Developing Countries: Comprehensive Environmental Radiation Assessment of Enhanced Radionuclide Dispersion in Ghanaian Mining Areas

Abstract

This study examines the dispersion of naturally occurring radionuclides relative to active unregulated mining activities in Ghana and evaluates the associated radiological and public health implications. The findings from this study give a comprehensive radiological survey concerning the concentrations of radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th), and potassium (40K) in soils, activity concentration of 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K in surface water bodies affected by the mining activity, as well as gross alpha and beta screening of borehole water resources in the study areas. Soil samples recorded activity concentrations ranging from 6 to 87 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 4 to 70 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 34 to 876 Bq/kg for 40K, with mean values of 24 ± 2, 26 ± 2, and 271 ± 3 Bq/kg, respectively. These averages are lower than global reference levels; however, hotspots were identified with values above UNSCEAR (2000) benchmarks, with absorbed dose rates as high as 108 nGy/h and excess lifetime cancer risks (ELCR) up to 0.47 × 10⁻³. In contrast, surface water samples exhibited greater radiological concern, with 226Ra and 228Ra concentrations ranging from 0.15 to 4.72 Bq/L and 0.19 to 6.40 Bq/L, respectively, exceeded WHO guideline levels in several locations resulting in high committed effective doses and ELCR values above recommendation levels. These levels pose significant health risks for local communities relying on these water resources, particularly in regions impacted by unregulated artisanal mining. Conversely, based on the gross alpha and beta results, water from boreholes within the mining areas were radiologically safe for to be used as drinking water and/or domestic purposes. Overall, the findings indicate that while soils in most areas remain radiologically safe, surface water resources pose elevated long-term health risks for dependent communities. Overall, the findings emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring, risk assessments, regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse effects of radionuclide dispersion, sustainable mining practices and proper measures for the reclamation of the environment in Ghana’s mining areas to avert public exposure and safeguard environmental health.