Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazards from Ingestion of Well Water in Selected Communities of Rumuekpe, Rivers State
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Abstract
Natural radioactivity refers to the spontaneous emission of ionizing radiations from naturally occurring radioactive materials in the earth’s crust. This study focuses on assessment of radiological hazards associated with intake of radionuclides in well water samples from some randomly selected communities in Rumuekpe, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, using Sodium Iodide gamma-rays spectrometer. The radionuclides present in the water samples are 40K, 232Th and 238U, their mean activity concentrations are 71.51, 2.73 and 9.67 Bql-1 respectively. Mean total annual effective dose in infants (0-1 and 1-2)y, children (1-2 and 2-7)y and adults (12-17 and ˃17)y are (3.70 and 1.95) mSvy-1, (1.17 and 0.86) mSvy-1, and (1.37 and 1.09) mSvy-1 respectively. Mean absorbed dose, annual effective dose equivalent and annual gonad dose equivalent are 8.94 nGyh-1, 10.96 mSvy-1 and 62.73 Bql-1 respectively. Mean radium equivalent and excess lifetime cancer risk are 19.11 Bql-1 and 37.88 E-3 respectively. All mean radiological hazards are above their respective recommended safe limits, except 238U.This indicates that the water samples are radiologically polluted and harmful for human consumption. Provision of clean, alternative and safe source of water, as well as medical check-ups and treatment are recommended for the inhabitants.
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