Radon assessment in ground water sources from Zaria and environs, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater (well and borehole) samples from various locations of Zaria and environs including Sabongari, Tudunwada, Danmagaji, Samaru and Bomo have been investigated for their 222Rn concentrations by liquid scintillation counter. The concentration of 222Rn in open well water was found to vary in the range (0.77-28.37) Bq/L and (2.32-48.80) Bq/L for borehole, with a geometric mean of 12.43 and 11.16Bq/L for borehole and well sources respectively. The results showed that 222Rn concentration in borehole sources is higher than that of well water sources and were both greater than the maximum concentration limit (MCL) of 11.1Bq/L set by USEPA. Key words: 222 Rn, groundwater, liquid scintillation counter.