Application of Gamma-Ray Spectrometry in Environmental Monitoring Around Cement Factories in Sokoto State

Cement manufacturing involves processing of limestone and shale materials that contain naturally occurring radioactive materials, with potential for elevated dust and radiation exposure in surrounding communities. The Sokoto Cement Company and Dangote Cement plant in Sokoto State are significant industrial facilities whose environmental radiation impact warrants systematic assessment. This study applies gamma-ray spectrometry to monitor radiation levels in soil, dust, and vegetation samples collected from communities within a 5-kilometre radius of the Sokoto cement production plants. A high-purity germanium detector system is used to quantify activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232, K-40, and Cs-137 in 45 environmental samples. Air particulate samples are collected on filter paper over 72-hour sampling periods and counted for short-lived natural radionuclides. Results indicate Ra-226 and Th-232 concentrations in cement plant vicinity soils of 32 to 87 Bq per kilogram, modestly elevated relative to regional background. Air particulate activity remains within WHO air quality guidance levels at all measurement points. The computed incremental annual effective dose for residents at 1 kilometre is 0.08 mSv, well below the 1 mSv public limit. The study provides a radiological baseline for regulatory compliance monitoring by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority. Keywords: gamma spectrometry, cement factory, environmental radiation, Sokoto State, naturally occurring radioactive materials