Health Risk Assessment of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Levels and Heavy Metals in Water: A Case Study of Otukpo, Benue State Nigeria

Abstract

Water quality is threatened by the possibility of seepage of contaminants like radionuclides as well as heavy metals into water bodies and is a concern for human health. This study investigates the pH, gross a and ? activity concentration and heavy metals (Cd and Pb) present in available water sources in Otukpo L.G.A. Health risk assessment study was carried out to ascertain the risk level associated with these water samples. The pH of the water samples was determined using HANNA instrument HI 8014, the gross a and ? radioactivity levels were determined using the proportional counter, while the level of the heavy metals present in the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The health risk assessment of results obtained was carried out as described by Okunola et la., (2020). The pH value ranged from 4.4-8.8, only two of the samples had pH within the permissible range of 8.2-8.5 for drinking water. The gross a activity ranged from 4.0E-06 to 1.2E-02 while gross ? ranged from 5.04E-05 to 1.31E-02, and were within the limit of 0.1Bq/L and 1Bq/L for ? and ? respectively, as set by WHO, (2011). About 50% of the sampled water showed traces of Cd, while only one sample showed traces of Pb. Values obtained were above the recommended limit of 0.003mg/l and 0.01mg/l for Cd and Pb respectively. The health risk assessment study reveals average hazard indexes values higher than one. The level of radionuclides in the water samples were found to be within the safe limit for drinking water, however, the hazard index due to Cd and Pb in the water samples were higher than the one, this may be a concern for human health; hence, there is need for the establishment of improve water quality in the study areas.

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