Browsing by Author "Wilfred, Meserecordias"
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Item Environmental assessment of uranium exploration projects: a case study of Mkuju river uranium exploration project, Ruvuma – Tanzania(University of Dar es Salaam, 2010) Wilfred, MeserecordiasUranium is a radioactive element that occurs in most rocks in concentration of 2 to 4 parts per million. Its primary use is as fuel in nuclear power reactors to generate electricity. Uranium is also used in small nuclear reactors to produce isotopes for medical and industrial purposes around the world. Despite its numerous advantages, Uranium exploration may cause significant environmental and social-economic problems if not done under special environmental guidance and care. This research focuses on the environmental assessment of the impacts of the Mkuju river uranium exploration project taken as a sample uranium exploration project in Tanzania. This study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data. Samples were collected from the project site and taken to respective laboratories for further tests and analysis. Samples of air (noise and dust), water (surface and underground), plus radiological data (dose rate measurements and radon gas monitoring) were collected. Physical observation of the project area, direct interviews and a questionnaire were also used to gather social-economic and environmental information. This research study has few facts; first, the regulatory framework on the environmental issues in Tanzania does not provide enough guidelines and procedures towards environmental assessment of uranium exploration projects. Second, there are more negative impacts as compared to positive impacts caused by the Mkuju river uranium exploration project in the project site that requires close attention. Lastly, there is a need for further studies of the same nature to be conducted in other different places for the sole purpose of getting more precise information on the topic of this research.