Radiometric Characterization of Selected Solid Minerals in Nigeria for Radiological Health Hazard Profiling

contributed the highest radiological activity among all investigated radionuclides due to the abundance of potassium-bearing silicate minerals within the geological formations. Granitic and pegmatitic mineral samples exhibited relatively elevated uranium and thorium concentrations compared with sedimentary and clay-rich materials. Radiological hazard indices including absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose equivalent, external hazard index, internal hazard index, and excess lifetime cancer risk were evaluated using standard UNSCEAR and ICRP models. The computed radiological parameters were below internationally recommended safety limits, indicating low radiological risks associated with the investigated minerals. Statistical analysis revealed strong positive correlations among radionuclides and hazard parameters, suggesting common geological and mineralogical controls. The findings establish an important baseline radiological database for solid minerals in Nigeria and confirm that the investigated materials are radiologically safe for industrial, domestic, and construction applications under current exposure conditions.