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Gross alpha and beta radioactivity in surface water and groundwater in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

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Abstract

The gross alpha and beta activities in samples of surface water and groundwater in Kaduna metropolis, following perpetual exposure of employees and inhabitants to petrochemical processing and other industrial activities, was determined using Protean Instrument Corporation (MPC-2000DP) device. The gross alpha and beta activities in surface water (Kaduna River) ranged from 1.17 ± 6.81–3.30 ± 1.25 Bq/l to 0.00 ± 6.89–3.30 ± 1.85 Bq/l respectively, while the range in groundwater is from 1.16 ± 1.38–7.81 ± 4.12 Bq/l to 2.35 ± 3.49–8.85 ± 8.09 Bq/l respectively. The results revealed that apart from beta activity downstream of Kaduna River (R2 = 0.00 ± 6.89 Bq/l), all other alpha and beta activities concentrations in both surface and groundwater were above the reference level for potable water. The annual total effective committed dose due to water consumption is 0.2392 to 5.9417 mSv respectively. All values of the total effective committed dose were above the recommended level (0.1 mSv) for intake dose from drinking water and as such require further screening to determine the actual radionuclides responsible for the pollution.

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Acknowledgements

The authors express their appreciation to the management of the centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for carrying out the analysis of gross alpha and beta in the samples.

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All author’s contributed immensely to the completion of the manuscript. EOA, EUA, AIO, and KOM all worked together during fieldwork, compilation, and discussion of this manuscript.

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Correspondence to E. O. Akudo.

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The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

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Akudo, E.O., Aniwetalu, E.U., Obasi, A.I. et al. Gross alpha and beta radioactivity in surface water and groundwater in Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Int J Energ Water Res 6, 295–302 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42108-021-00154-0

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