Radiological Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater from Residential area of Maiganga Mining Site in Gombe State, North-Eastern, Nigeria.

Abstract

The water sample were analyzed using the ultra-low level Liquid Scintillation Counter (LSC), to evaluate the gross alpha and beta radioactivity dose levels of the radionuclides in water. The minimum and maximum gross alpha activity obtained was 0.8816 (Bq.1/L) and 1.0825 (Bq.1/L) respectively, while the minimum and maximum gross beta activity obtained for water samples was 0.0330 (Bq.1/L) and 0.2380 (Bq.1/L) respectively. The activity concentration for drinking water indicate that the specific activity in the water is above the WHO guideline limit of 0.5 (Bq.1/L) for gross alpha and is lower in gross beta of 1 (Bq.1/L) limit. The results obtained were also within the range of the South Africa Department of Water Affairs and Forestry target water quality limit of (1.38) (Bq.1/L) for gross alpha activity. The process of treating contaminated water is crucial for ensuring public safety and environmental protection. In recent years, there have been widespread concerns about the potential risks associated with radioactive and toxic substances in water sources. Therefore, this water after treatment is not safe for the members of the public.