Abstract
In this study 10 soil and 11 ground water samples were randomly collected, and the 222Rn concentrations were measured using a DURRIDGE RAD7 electronic radon detector. The radon concentration in ground water ranged from 0.53 BqL-1 to 5.13 BqL-1 with a mean value 2.37 BqL-1. The results show that all the groundwater samples collected have 222Rn concentrations below the US EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 11.1 BqL–1 (for states without radon monitoring policy and enhanced indoor air programs). All the ground water samples also have 222Rn concentrations below MCL of 100 BqL–1 recommended by EU. The annual effective dose due to ingestion (Hing) of 222Rn in the groundwater ranged from 0.00386 – 0.03744 mSvyear-1 with a mean value of 0.01706 mSvyear-1. These values are within the ICRP recommended reference level of 1 mSvy–1 for the intake of the radionuclide in water by the general public for a prolonged exposure. The effective radium content, radon mass exhalation rate and alpha index of the soil samples varied from 0.574 – 1.170 Bqkg-1, 0.104 Bqkg-1d-1 – 0,212 Bqkg-1d-1 and 0.00287 – 0.00585 respectively. The alpha index suggests that none of the selected soil samples have a radon mass exhalation that could cause indoor radon concentrations exceeding 200 Bqkg-1. Therefore, it is concluded that the radon concentration in ground water and soil in the study area indicate that the ground water is safe for drinking and it is safe to use the soil as a building material.
Highlights
Radon gas is the major contributor of ionizing radiation to human
It is concluded that the radon concentration in ground water and soil in the study area indicate that the ground water is safe for drinking and it is safe to use the soil as a building material
Radon is produced from the natural radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soil (Oni et al, 2016; Sudhir, 2016)
Summary
Radon gas is the major contributor of ionizing radiation to human. It is a naturally occurring radioactive gas with no smell, colour or taste. The presence of natural radioactivity and radon exhalation in soil and water contribute to the radiation dose received by human. Radionuclides and radon levels in soil and ground water from solid minerals-hosted area, Southwestern Nigeria was assessed by Felix et al (2016). It is essential to ascertain the level of Radon concentration presence in both soil and water because, in such areas, the illegal miners and mining communities are at risk of negative health issues like, lung cancer and occurrence of respiratory dysfunctions which are mostly caused by inhalation of large amount of Radon. This work reports an assessment of Radon Concentration and associated Health implications in groundwater and soil around Riruwai mine site, Kano state, Nigeria and its environs
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
