Thesis and Dissertations

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Browsing Thesis and Dissertations by Author "BAKO, YOSI ZAKARIA"

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    ASSESSEMENT OF RADIOACTIVITY CONCENTRATION IN GROUND WATER SAMPLES FROM JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
    (Department of Physics, Nasrawa State University, Keffi., 2019-07-23) BAKO, YOSI ZAKARIA
    The biological and health effects of naturally occurring radioactive materials on humans is a serious issue that calls for great concern. This is as a result of mining activities, frequent use of fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, sewage disposals and many more human activities. The huge mining activities in Jema‟a local government area has raised some concern about the safety of the groundwater for human consumption. This study assesses the radioactivity concentration in groundwater samples from Jema‟a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Nigeria using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). A total of thirty (30) water samples of wells and boreholes were collected using the stratified random sampling technique from Kafanchan A and B, Gidan-waya, Kagoma, Godogodo, Nisama, Barde, U/Mailafiya, U/Pataki and Jagindi. 4ml of nitric acid was added to reduce the pH level and was analyzed to establish the distribution pattern of the activity concentration and was compared with the international system organization contaminant level. The study also evaluates the suitability of the water for quality groundwater consumption as well as its associated risk to the inhabitants. Results shows that the mean activity concentration of 238U 232Th and 40K in well water samples were 32.58±0.18 BqL-1, 3.36±0.12 BqL-1, 60.55±1.40 BqL-1 respectively and the mean activity concentration of 238U 232Th and 40K in borehole water samples were 33.21±1.10 BqL-1, 3.39±1.18 BqL-1, 61.88±0.90 BqL-1 respectively which were found to be higher than the permissible values. The radium equivalent, absorbed dose rate, internal and external hazard indices calculated were found to be within the safe limits set by (W.H.O.) World health organization and (UNSCEAR). Based on the present study, it was concluded that activity concentration of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the water samples (Wells and Boreholes) were high and Excess lifetime cancer risk for all the samples analyzed were higher than the safe limits, therefore long term radiation exposure of the residents in those areas will poses significant health threat. Therefore the groundwater from these study area should be treated for radionuclide before ingestion to reduce the radiation risk. Remediation measure and techniques should be employed by the appropriate authority at all levels so as to formulate policies that will reduce significant radioactivity levels in groundwater for human consumption.