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.
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 samples of well water in the study area of study were subjected to the analysis of gross alpha radioactivity
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 two main sources of water are rain and ground water sources It is found in rivers, wells, dams, lakes and streams. Water pollution arises as a result of waste and sewage disposal into the environment and rivers by industries, hospitals and use of materials such as fertilizers by farmers. Individuals cause ground water contamination by improper disposal of wastes namely motor oil, detergents and cleaners can leak into water sources. These disposed materials often contain radioactive materials
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