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Radon Level Approximation and the Corresponding Health Effects: The Southern Benue Groundwater Sources Analysis

Abstract

In this research, activity concentration of Rn-222 was estimated in groundwater samples collected from different parts of Benue State, Nigeria. The twenty-six (26) water samples from well and stream sources were analysed using standardized Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC) for the determination of radon activity concentration and their corresponding health effects on the general population. The results showed highest radon values of 13.56 ± 0.88 Bq/l and 18.24 ± 1.42 Bq/l for well water samples higher than USEPA recommended values of 11.1 Bq/l for Apa and Agatu LGAs respectively, while 6.659 ± 0.36 Bq/l lower than the acceptable limit was recorded for the surface water samples. The annual committed effective dose from intake of Rn-222 radionuclide to different human ICRP age groups were remarkably below the acceptable 1.0 mSv/y baseline but with a significant and consistent rise with the age and water consumption rate. The calculated ELCR and LCC from ACED due to ingestion were found to be remarkably lower than the standard reference point of 0.29 mSv/y. The evaluated dose to different organs such as lungs, testes, ovaries, bone marrow, kidney, liver and whole body vary significantly with the mean values in the range of 0.009–0.017, 0.012 – 0.021 and 0.006 –0.011 for well and surface water sources respectively. The maximum average dose values were recorded in the testes and this may be attributed to the organ location and adopted approximation factor. The obtained results therefore suggest that the evaluated radon parameters and dose to sensitive organs have no immediate consequence on public health but routine research activity on groundwater sources in the study location is strongly recommended to avert any possible health risks.

Andrew Ichoja1*, O. O. Agboola2, E. E Onwoke1, E.D.Onoja1, N. Habila3 and E. O. Adejo1

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