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.
Highlights
Water is fundamental to life here on earth, and, is one of our most valuable resources
The sampling procedures include the following: The sample container was rinsed three times with the water being collected to minimize contamination from the original content of the sample container, The amount collected was such that an air space of about 1% of container capacity was created for thermal expansion was left, The water samples were immediately acidified with 20ml of nitric acid per 2liters of sample collected to reduce PH and to minimize the absorption of radioactivity into the walls of the containers (ISO, 1992) and the samples were tightly covered and kept in the laboratory for analysis
The measured concentration values for the twelve well water samples used for the gross beta counting are presented in Table 1 according to their locations
Summary
Water is fundamental to life here on earth, and, is one of our most valuable resources. The supply of clean, abundant water sources is a major challenge facing modern civilization, and as such, the topic of many research endeavors. The challenge includes the securing of water supplies in the face of climate changes and population growth, and the mitigation of ongoing detrimental effect of modern world. The use of water cuts across industrial, agricultural and domestic uses. The two main sources of water are rain and ground water sources. It is found in rivers, wells, dams, lakes and streams. Human activities and natural phenomenon constantly polluting the sources of water and affect water quality. Water pollution arises as a result of waste
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