Risk Assessment of Drinkable Water from Hand-dug Reservoirs Using Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Levels in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State

Abstract

Over the past decade, radioactivity in drinking water has become a matter of urgent concern following reports from various scientific researches. The rapid urbanization and increase in population of Ogwashi-Uku has culminated in the increase for demand of safe and potable water hence the need for this study. A total of 10 samples were collected from the study location. Standard methods for determination of gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations in the water samples were deployed. The measured gross alpha activity concentrations for all water samples are below 0.1 Bq/L while the measured gross beta activity concentrations in all water samples collected are lower than 1.0 Bq/L permissible limit. The mean annual dose equivalent in all the water samples for gross alpha and gross beta activity is lower than 0.1 mSv recommended dose for radionuclides in water, hence the life cancer risk assessment showed lower values, indicating the water is safe for drinking. The purpose of this study is to assess the concentration of gross alpha and beta activity levels of drinking water from hand-dug reservoirs in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State in order to offer a scientific basis for making decisions regarding mitigating radioactive pollution and also to ensure the safety of drinking water and public health.