An Assessment of Gross Beta Radioactivity Concentration in Well Water in Some Parts of Kaduna South and Environs, Nigeria

Abstract

Twelve (12) samples of water from hand-dug wells in some parts of Kaduna South and Environs were selected using a stratified random sampling. Twenty (20mils) of concentrated nitric acid were added to each two liters of the sampled water for preservation. The samples were then evaporated and counted for Gross Beta activity using MPC-2000-DP Model Gas free Proportional Counter at Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Results show that, the range of Beta activity in water in the area was 0.006 to 0.808 Bq/L, with Geometric mean of 0.120±0.077 Bq/L. The overall results show that, the Beta activity have their values below WHO recommended practical screening level of 1.0 Bq/L radioactivity for drinking water.

Determination and Evaluation of Potentially Toxic Heavy Metals in Some Selected Rivers within Ijebu-North, Nigeria

“…Mercury have been identified as heavy metals with high toxicity, they are threat to human existence and consequently pose great concerns to public health (Kassimu et al, 2017). There is no doubt that human health would be at risk if water which is essential for every human activity is contaminated with carcinogenic substance including heavy metals.…”