Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in brands of fertilisers used in Nigeria

The activity concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides 40K, 226Ra and 232Th have been measured in different brands of fertiliser samples sold to farmers in retail markets in six commercial cities in southwestern Nigeria. Gamma ray spectroscopy was employed in the measurements of these radionuclides. The results of measurements showed that the average activity concentration of 40K in the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisers across the cities varied from 3972.0 ±416.9 to 5089.3 ±111.3 Bq kg-1, 9.9 ±7.3 to 450.6 ±14.3 Bq kg-1 for 226Ra, while for 232Th it varied from less than lower limit of detection to 15.1 ±2.8 Bq kg-1. The activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in single super phosphate (SSP) fertilisers and phosphate rocks were also determined. However, high activity concentrations of 226Ra were obtained in the SSP fertiliser and phosphate rocks and in particular, two brands of fertilisers from ITL/TAK and F and C companies. The values of the activity concentration of the radionuclides in the brands of fertilisers used in Nigeria are within the range of values reported in several other countries except 40K. (authors)