IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF BACKGROUND RADIATIONUSING GEIGER-MULLER (GM) DETECTORAT SA’ADU ZUNGURUNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT This study assessed the background ionizing radiation levels within Sa’aduZungur University, Bauchi State, using a portable Geiger-Muller (GM) detector. The research focused on measuring the gamma radiation dose rates at selected high-population locations on campus, including the Senate building, ICT center, Library, Postgraduate school, and Stadium. The methodology involved taking multiple readings at one meter above ground level, computing counts per minute (CPM), and converting them into dose rates in micro-Sieverts per hour (µSv/h). Results revealed that the dose rate values ranged between 0.18 µSv/h and 0.186 µSv/h, with the Senate building recording the highest value. These levels were within the internationally recommended permissible limits of 1.0 mSv/year for the general public, as stipulated by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The relatively higher readings observed in certain locations were attributed to natural geological formations and building materials, particularly granites which are known to contain uranium, thorium, and potassium. The findings indicate that the radiation exposure within the study area poses no significant health risks to students, staff, and the general public. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to prevent possible future risks and to provide baseline data for environmental radiation studies in the region.