Analysis of Gross Alpha Radioactivity in Well Water in Some Parts of Kaduna South and Environs, Nigeria

Abstract

Twelve samples of water from hand-dug wells in some parts of Kaduna South and its 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 Alpha 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 alpha activity in water in the area was 0.001 to 0.413 Bq/L, with geometric mean of 0.124±0.040 Bq/L. The overall results show that, the alpha activity have their values below WHO recommended practical screening level of 0.5 Bq/L radioactivity for drinking water.

Assessment of the Radioactivity Concentration in the Konshisha Borehole and Well Water in Benue, Nigeria

“…In developing countries, people rely on ground water mostly for drinking, bathing and other domestic use. One of the major challenge of civilization today is the supply of clean and abundant water [6]. Water source is from either rain or ground and its use cuts across industrial, agricultural and domestic.…”

“…Water pollution in the environment occurs as a result of waste and sewage disposal. Also, use of fertilizers by farmers, improper disposal of motor oil, detergents and cleaners can leak into water sources and cause pollution [6]. These materials disposed often contain radioactive materials which significantly contribute to the background activity of the water bodies [4,6].…”

“…Also, use of fertilizers by farmers, improper disposal of motor oil, detergents and cleaners can leak into water sources and cause pollution [6]. These materials disposed often contain radioactive materials which significantly contribute to the background activity of the water bodies [4,6]. Estimation of the radiation dose distribution is vital in assessing the health risk to a population and serves as a reference for documenting changes in environmental radioactivity due to anthropogenic activities [9].…”

“…Humans are exposed to natural radiation by contamination of the food chain which occurs as a result of direct deposition of radio-nuclides on plant leaves, root uptake from contaminated soil, sediment or water [3], and from direct ingestion of contaminated water [10]. An important mode of transfer of radionuclides from environment to man is through radioactivity in drinking water [6]. Higher concentrations of radioactivity in environmental media are connected with risk to humans and higher radiation damage such as kidney damage, mutagenicity, leukemia as well as cancer of bladder, kidney, testis and lung [5].…”