Abstract:
Natural radionuclides generally represent the
main source of radiation exposure to the public. In the
environment, they either arise from the direct release of
Radon from ground into ambient air or through dissolution
of U-and Th-series members into water. As a consequence
the control of natural radionuclides in water for human
consumption has become a major goal worldwide during the
recent decade. Limitations were set and the need for simple
and rapid procedures for their implementation becomes
necessary. The simple random sampling procedure was
employed to collect a total of 14 samples of sachet water in
Birnin kebbi and the samples were analyzed for
radioactivity content using Eurisys system-eight-channelsgas
–filled proportional counters with the aim of improving
the health of the people living in Nigeria particularly those
who are living in Birnin Kebbi. The obtained results showed
that the range of alpha activity in the sampled area is (0.006
to 0.79) Bq/L, with a geometric mean of 0.057 Bq/L and the
range of beta activity was from (0.804 to 28.638) Bq/L, with
a geometric mean of 3.535 Bq/L. The calculated average
yearly effective dose equivalent for Gross alpha and Gross
beta are 0.0149mSv/yr and 0.9238mSv/yr respectively. The
effective dose limit given by WHO is 0.1mSv/yr. while water
from some brand meet the recommendations of WHO,
especially with regard to alpha activity quite a reasonable
number does not meet the standard particularly when beta
activity is considered. There is therefore need for further
screening of radioactivity concentration, especially the beta
activity, before the sachet water hawked in Birnin Kebbi
continued to be used for drinking and domestic purposes
