Radiological impact assessment of natural radioactivity in soil and water in Cape Coast North, Central Region of Ghana.

The article focuses on assessing natural radioactivity levels and their radiological health impact in Cape Coast North, Central Region of Ghana, through analysis of soil and water samples using a high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Results showed that average activity concentrations of radionuclides ^226Ra and ^232Th in soil at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) residential area exceeded global averages, while levels in Kwaprow (KP) and Amamoma (AMM) were generally lower; ^40K concentrations were below world averages across all sites. Radiological risk parameters for soil, including radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external and internal hazard indices, and outdoor annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), were below international recommended limits, indicating safety for building use. However, the annual effective dose from radionuclide ingestion in groundwater at AMM and KP exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 0.1 mSv/year, suggesting potential health concerns from water consumption. The study recommends further investigation of indoor radon levels to better understand the cancer risk associated with natural radionuclides in the area.