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Assessment of Radon-222 Concentration and Associated Radiological Health Hazards in Hand-Dug Well Water Sources along the River Kaduna Floodplain, Nigeria. |
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PP: 1-11 |
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doi:10.18576/jrna/120101
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Author(s) |
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Usman Sani,
Shehu Sani,
Abdullahi A. Mundi,
Idris M. Mustapha,
Daret J. Timothy,
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Abstract |
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| Radon-222 is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can dissolve in groundwater and contribute to internal radiation exposure through drinking water consumption and domestic water use. This study assessed the concentration of radon-222 and the associated radiological health risks in hand-dug well water sources along the River Kaduna floodplain, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Fifteen well water samples were collected from selected communities and analyzed using a Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC). The measured radon concentration ranged from 10.62 to 27.95 Bq/L, with a mean value of 19.80 Bq/L. The estimated mean annual effective doses due to ingestion were 0.145, 0.139 and 0.208 mSv/y for adults, children and infants, respectively, while the mean annual effective dose due to inhalation was 0.049 mSv/y. The mean total annual effective dose (Health Effect) was 0.194 mSv/y, whereas the mean excess lifetime cancer risk was 6.80 × 10⁻⁴. Although the measured radon concentrations remained below the World Health Organization reference level, the annual effective dose due to ingestion and the excess lifetime cancer risk exceeded internationally recommended reference values, indicating potential long-term radiological health concerns associated with continuous consumption of untreated well water. Routine radiological monitoring, public awareness and groundwater management strategies are therefore recommended to minimize long-term exposure and protect public health. |
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