Assessment of the Specific Activity of Alpha- and Beta-emitting Radionuclides in Groundwater, Anka, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science,Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria

2 Department of Physics Faculty of Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: After the lead poisoning outbreak came to light in Zamfara State, Nigeria, people living near gold mines were worried about environmental safety, especially drinking water quality. This study examined the gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations in groundwater in different locations of Anka, Zamfara State, Nigeria, to measure the possible radiation dose and potential health effects.
Material and Methods: In this study, 32 water samples were collected from hand dug wells and boreholes in Anka, Nigeria, through stratified random sampling method. The ISO 9696 and ISO 9697 methods were adapted using Eurysis system-multiple-channel-gas-filled proportional counter to measure gross alpha and gross beta activity concentration.
Results: The ranges of alpha and beta activity concentration in groundwater of the area were 0.114 to 3.698 Bq/l and 0.071 to 4.823 Bq/l with the geometric means of 0.961 Bq/l and 2.134 Bq/l, respectively. These amounts were higher than the reference limits of 0.5 Bq/l and 1 Bq/l for gross alpha and beta activity concentrations, respectively. Additionally, the total annual effective dose equivalent was more than that (0.1 mSv/y) of recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).
Conclusion: The mean concentrations of alpha and beta activities in the samples were above the limits recommended by WHO. These excessive radiations might negatively affect the environment and inhabitants.  

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

  1.  

    1. Saidu A, Baba-Kutigi A, Buda S. Determination of Gross Alpha Radioactivity in Underground Water in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Permanent Site, Sokoto. International Journal of Science and Advance Technology. 2012; 1-4.
    2. Otton JK. Natural radioactivity in the Environment. 2004; available from: www.energy.usgs.gov.
    3. USEPA. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Editor:Washington DC. 2010.
    4. World Health Organization. Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality: First Addendum to Third Edition. 2006; Volume 1: Recommendations.
    5. Innocent A, Onimisi M, Jonah S. Evaluation of Naturally Occurring Radionuclide Materials in Soil Samples Collected From Some Mining Sites in Zamfara State, Nigeria. British Journal of Applied Science & Technology. 2013; 3(4).
    6. Udiba U, Chrinius H and Gauje B. Assessment of Some Environmental Pollutants in Soil, Dareta Village, Zamfara Nigeria. Journal of Trends in Advanced Science and Engineering. 2012; 5(1):27-37.
    7. Cember H and Johnson TE. Introduction to Health Physics, MC Graw Hill, New York. 2009.
    8. Oyelami AA, Katuka WY. Strutural Composition and Signifance of Sedimentary Formations in Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Studies in Ecology, Development and Sustainability. 2016; 4(1).
    9. ISO9696. Water Quality Measurement of Gross Alpha activity in non-Saline water-Thick source method. Geneva, Switzerland. 2007.
    10. ISO9697. Water Quality Measurement of Gross beta activity in non-Saline water-Thick source method. Geneva, Switzerland. 2008.
    11. Ogundare FO, Adekoya OI. Gross alpha and beta radioactivity in surface soil and drinkable water around a steel processing facility. Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences. 2015; 411-7.
    12. UNSCEAR. Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation. New York: United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. 2000; Report to the General Assembly on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, United Nations.
    13. Fernandez JF, Lozano JC, Gomez JMG. Natural radionuclides in ground water in western Spain. Radiation Protection Dosimetry. 1992; 45: 227-9.
    14. Damla N, Cevik U, Karahan G, Kobya AI. Gross Alpha and Beta Activities in Tap Water in Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. Chemosphere. 2006; 62(37):957-60.
    15. WHO. Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality (3rd ed.). Geneva: World Health Organisation. 2008.
    16.  Onoja R. Survey of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity in Wells from Zaria. M. Sc. thesis, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 2004.
    17. Tajudeen H. Survey of Radioactivity in Wells and Bore holes from Gwammaja Area of Kano City. M. Sc. Thesis, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 2006.
    18. Habila N. Survey of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity in Jos City. M. Sc. thesis, University of Jos, Nigeria. 2008.
    19. Saidu A, Ike E, Baba-kutigi A, Muhammad SB. Spatial Distribution of Beta Radionuclide Activity in Underground Water in Sokoto City North Western Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Advanced Technology. 2012; 2(9).
    20. Saidu A, Ike E. Survey of Gross Alpha Radioactivity in Bore Hole and Well Water in Sokoto City North-Western Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences. 2013; 21(1):20-6.
    21. Nwabufo KE. Moments and industrial development in Sokoto State Nigeria. Special paper for the investment retreat, Sokoto state Nigeria, 2004.
Iranian Journal of Medical Physics
Volume 15, Issue 4 - Serial Number 4
October 2018
Pages 285-294

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 12 January 2018
  • Revise Date: 06 April 2018
  • Accept Date: 11 April 2018

Share

How to cite

Statistics