Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

• Blessing Ifeyinwa Tabugbo ¹
• Rilwan Usman ²
• Mikaila Abdullahi ^{2, 3}
• Jackso Karniliyus ⁴

¹ Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, PMB 5025 Akwa, Nigeria

² Department of Physics, Nigerian Army University, PMB 1500 Biu, Borno State, Nigeria

³ Physics Unit, Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Modibbo Adama University, PMB 2076, Yola, Nigeria

⁴ Department of Physics, Adamawa State Collage of Education,PMB 044 Hong, Nigeria

Abstract

In Nasarawa State, groundwater is the most often used source of fresh water for daily consumption, but its quality still remains a serious concern due to rising concentrations of radon resulting from activities of mining. This study evaluated the potential pose resulting from radon exposure via groundwater ingestion and inhalation in Keffi, Nigeria using the liquid scintillation detector. Ten borehole samples of groundwater were collected. The mean content of radon from water samples of Keffi was 19.368 Bq/l. the average ingested and inhaled dose effectiveness annually was 0.099 mSv/y and 4.9 x10^-5 mSv/y, respectively. In Keffi, the average ingested extra lifetime cancer risk was 3.5 x10^-4 and for inhalation was 1.71 x10^-7. Research area's average radon concentration was higher than the standard of 11.1 Bq/l set by the SON and USEPA. Based on the findings of the present work, the radon concentration is unacceptable, hence, inhabitants should be restricted from using the water until measures are put into place. However further analysis could be carried out in the area to prevent people from cancer risk. To cover the entire zone, additional research should be conducted covering additional sources in the study area. As concentrations of radon in water sources varies with time as a result of dilution by rainfall, more examination may be conducted in dry and raining periods.

Keywords

• Groundwater
• Annual Effective Dose
• Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk

Main Subjects

• Analytical Chemistry