Evaluation of commercial fertilizer in Nigeria for norms using NaI gamma spectromerty technique

Abstract

This study determined the activity concentration levels of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in some fertilizers used in Nigeria using NaI(TI) gamma-ray  spectrometry technique. The maximum activity concentration levels of 665.9±22.7 (226Ra) and 212.8±17.3 (232Th) Bq/kg, were recorded in SSP fertilizer, which are approximately 27 and 9, respectively orders magnitude of 226Ra and 232Th in normal soil. The radium result is really a case of concern and has to be treated with caution by providing this information on the bags. In the light of the recorded data, there is an urgent need for amendments in the country’s labeling policy on fertilizer bags. This will in turn provide the consumers of the products adequate information for cost-effective purchases.

Keywords: radium, activity concentration, fertilizers, gamma ray spectrometry, labeling policy