Abstract
Activity concentrations of the radionuclides (238U, 232Th and 40K) were analysed using high resolution co-axial HPGe gamma ray spectrometer system to know the implication where groundwater is sourced from Enugu, South-East Nigeria. The activity concentration of 238U ranges from 37 ± 4 to 74 ± 6 Bq kg−1 with the highest value of 74 ± 6 Bq kg−1 noted in the thin coal sample. The 232Th activity level in the rock samples ranges from 58 ±5 to 85 ± 7 Bq kg−1 with the higher value of 89 ± 7 Bq kg−1 reported in the coal sample. For 40K, the activity concentration varies from 140 ± 19 to 293 ± 25 Bq kg−1 with the highest value of 293 ± 25 Bq kg−1 reported in coal samples whereas lowest value of 140 ± 19 Bq kg−1 was noted in Ajali sandstone in the study area (Enugu State). The higher activity levels of 238U, 232Th and 40K reported in coal samples may be due to the closer clusters of weathered surface of Ajali sandstone that overlays the thin coal layer with an escarpment being spread out, implying higher permeability towards deeper direction. All the values are within the recommended level when compared with United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR, 2000). Further research on groundwater activity concentration and rock geochemistry is required within the study area. This will allow for a comprehensive conclusion to be drawn on the level of exposures to the inhabitants relying on groundwater for consumption.
Highlights
The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K usually detected in groundwater results from the available activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th of aquifer bearing formations as well as other decay products found in rocks beneath
For 40K, the activity concentration varies from 140 ±19 to 293 ±25 Bq kg-1 with the highest value of 293 ±25 Bq kg-1 reported in coal samples whereas lowest value of 140 ± 19 Bq kg-1 was noted in Ajali sandstone in the study area (Enugu State)
The highest value noted in thin coal bed sample with a value of 74 ±6 Bq kg-1 while the lowest value of 37 ±4 Bq kg-1 was observed in sample obtained from the Nsukka Formation, from table 2, the activity concentration of 232Th in sampled gotten from the subsurface in the Nsukka Formation to doi:10.1088/1755-1315/191/1/012011
Summary
The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K usually detected in groundwater results from the available activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th of aquifer bearing formations as well as other decay products found in rocks beneath. The contamination of groundwater within the region occurs when there is a reaction between groundwater, soil and bedrock This process appears not to be the only source of dissolved minerals finding its way into groundwater. Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd doi:10.1088/1755-1315/191/1/012011 well as the residence time of groundwater in subsurface water bearing formation. It is necessary to conduct an environmental assessment of borehole sites to clear public concerns on the possible risk of consuming contaminated water. This present study is conduced to investigate the activity levels of natural occurring radionuclides where water is drawn for the consumption of many within the study area
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