Assessment of Radiological Parameters and Heavy-Metal Contents of Sediment Samples from Lower Niger River, Nigeria

Gamma radiation and heavy-metal measurements were performed on sediment samples collected from ongoing dredging areas of lower River Niger in Nigeria. Weighted mean concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K obtained are 75.3 ± 17, 9.6 ± 0.7 and 231.2 ± 21 Bq kg−1, respectively. Sediments pollution assessment was carried out using enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index. Calculations revealed that the sediment samples are moderately contaminated and enriched with Cu and Zn, while Fe and Mn are depleted. Values of radiological-hazard indices obtained are lower than the internationally recommended limits for building materials. Therefore, sediment from River Niger is safe when used in building construction.