Radon Assessment in Water Samples in a University Community in Osogbo Osun State

Authors: Olaoye, M. A¹., Muniru, E.O¹., Jegede, O.A²., Olagbaju, P.O³., Adegbola, R.B¹., and Mustapha, A.O⁴

Affiliations: 1. Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Lagos State University, Nigeria
2. Centre of Applied Radiation Science and Technology, North-West University South Africa
3. Department of Physics, North-West University, South Africa
4. Department of Physics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction: Radon is a radioactive gas and one of the leading
causes of cancer at high concentrations globally. Inhalation or
ingestion of radon-contaminated water through drinking, cooking, or
bathing has reportedly increased human health risks. Measuring
radon levels in water helps assess the potential health risks
associated with ingestion and inhalation.
Aims: In this study, the assessment of radon activity in water in some
selected places within a university community in Osogbo, Osun
State, Nigeria, was carried out.
Materials and Methods: Fifteen (15) water (groundwater and
borehole water) samples were collected, and the radon concentration
was measured using a DURRIDGE RAD7 H2O accessory radon
detector.
Results: The results of the radon activity ranged from 6.3 ± 1.7 Bq/L
to 60.8 ± 5.6 Bq/L with a mean of 21.33 ± 2.95 Bq/L. Nine (9) out of
the fifteen (15) water samples measured were observed to be higher
than EPA’s maximum contaminant level of 11.1 Bq/L, while the other
six (6) water samples were within the range. The annual effective
dose values lie within 3 -10 mSv/yr., reported by the International
Commission on Radiological Protection.
Conclusion: Water within the university community in Oshogbo,
Osun State, is recommended for regular radon monitoring due to the
high radon concentration above the Nigerian Standard for Drinking
Water Quality.
To Keywords: radon, Osogbo, water, RAD7 H2O