Analysis of Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Radioactivity in Sachet Water Hawked in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State

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