RADON CONCENTRATION IN SELECTED SAMPLES (GROUNDWATER AND

SURFACE WATER) FROM FUNAAB AND ITS ENVIRONS USING RAD7.

BY

ADEYEMI ADEKUNLE LATEEF

MATRIC NO.:20193198

A PROJECT PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS, COLLEGE OF

PHYSICAL SCIENCE, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE,

ABEOKUTA.

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B. SC.) IN PHYSICS.

SEPTEMBER,2024.

i
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project was written by me and is a correct record of my research

work. It has not been presented in any previous application for any degree of this or any

other university. All citations and sources of information are acknowledged using

references.

_____________________________ _____________

ADEYEMI, ADEKUNLE LATEEF DATE

ii
 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project “Radon concentration in selected samples (Groundwater

and Surface water) from Funaab and its environs using Rad7”, was carried out and written

by Adeyemi Adekunle Lateef with the matriculation number 20193198 of the Department

of Physics, College of Physical Sciences, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta,

Ogun State, Nigeria.

_________________________ _______________________

PROFESSOR I.C. OKEYODE DATE

(Supervisor)

_________________________ ________________________

PROFESSOR I.C. OKEYODE DATE

(Head of Department)

iii
 ABSTRACT

Radon is an inert and radioactive gas produced in soil, but found in air and water sources.

Radon is extremely harmful when inhaled or ingested by people, causing a variety of

cancers, including stomach and lung cancer. Radon is soluble in water, and although water

is used for many purposes, including drinking, showers, and dishwashing, we still don't

fully understand the risks posed by radon gas in water. Further research is therefore

required to improve the present knowledge. This project makes use of a RAD7 detector to

measure radon concentrations in water samples from boreholes, wells, and surface water

sources. Borehole water samples showed a higher mean value (19.309 ± 21.489 Bq/l), than

wells (11.011 ± 8.190 Bq/l) and surface water sources (2.415 ± 1.868 Bq/l), compared to

the maximum contamination level of 11.1Bq/l set by USEPA but lower than the European

Union Commission value of 100 Bq/l for public water supplies.

iv
 DEDICATION

I dedicate this research to Almighty God, the Father of Mercy, the creator of all things, to

my late father and my lovely mom for her unending love, support, and encouragement

toward the successful completion of this work.

v
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Firstly, I give thanks to Almighty God who made it possible for me to complete this degree

in Physics.

My special appreciation goes to my supervisor, Prof. I.C. Okeyode for the time and effort

she invested in the successful completion of this project. I appreciate all my wonderful

lecturers in the department, my wonderful supervisor, Prof. I.C. Okeyode, Prof. Mustapha

A.O, Prof. Makinde V, Prof. Akinyemi O.D, Prof. B.S Badmus, Prof. Adebayo G.A, Prof.

Akinlami J.O, Dr. Ganiu S.A, Dr. Alabi A.A, Dr. Alatise O.O, Dr. Olurin O.T, Dr.

Akinboro F.G, Dr. Egunjobi A.I, Dr. Layade G.O, Dr. Adebambo P.O, [Link] K.D.

My sincere gratitude goes to my lovely mother, Mrs. Adeyemi Bukola, and my sponsor,

Mr. Adura Olotu for their love, care, and incomparable support.

I can not but appreciate Dr. Fowowe Olusola, Mr. Wahab, Mrs. Fowowe, Mr. Theophilus,

Mr. Opeyemi Adesina, Ogunremi Kehinde, Adeyemo Peter, Yekini Ayodeji, Mr. Opeyemi,

Mr Ikhine Daniel (Rightmind) and my siblings for their support.

Finally, I am grateful to my Friends, Adewole Samuel, Omotosho Tolulope, Yusuf Aishat,

Adewale Oreoluwa Goodness, Peter Makinde, Felix Damilola, John Pelumi, Olapade

Kehinde Boluwatife, Bello Precious, Akinyemi Precious, Odunowo Ridwan, Sanni

Kehinde, Kehinde Samuel, and others for being amazing, for their love and support towards

the completion of this degree.

vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CONTENT PAGE

TITLE PAGE i

DECLARATION ii

CERTIFICATION iii

ABSTRACT iv

DEDICATION v

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

LIST OF TABLE ix

LIST OF FIGURES x

CHAPTER ONE 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM 3

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION 3

1.3.0 AIM AND OBJECTIVES 4

1.3.1 AIM 4

1.3.2 OBJECTIVES 4

vii
1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY 4

1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY 5

CHAPTER TWO 6

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 6

CHAPTER 3 8

3.0 STUDY AREA 8

3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION 10

3.2 SAMPLE PREPARATION 10

3.3 LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS 11

CHAPTER 4 15

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 15

CHAPTER 5 23

5.1 CONCLUSION 23

5.2 CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEGDE 23

5.2 RECOMMENDATION 23

REFERENCES

viii
LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 4.1: SAMPLES AND THEIR LOCATIONS 16

TABLE 4.2: RADON CONCENTRATION IN Bq/l IN WATER SAMPLES FROM

DIFFERENT SOURCES 18

TABLE 4.3: THE HISTOGRAM SHOWING THE SAMPLES AND THEIR RADON

CONCENTRATION IN Bq/l 20

ix
LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE 3.1: MAP SHOWING THE SAMPLING LOCATION --------------------9

FIGURE 3.2: SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE EXPERIMENTAL SETUP

USING A GRAB SAMPLE AND A RADON-IN-AIR MONITOR, AN ALPHA-

SPECTROMETRY METHOD----------------------------------------------------------------13

FIGURE 3.3: SCHEMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE RAD7 INSTRUMENT FOR

MEASURING RADON IN WATER.---------------------------------------------------------14

x
CHAPTER ONE
1.0: INTRODUCTION

Water makes up the majority of life on Earth and comprises the planet's lakes, streams, and

seas. It accounts for approximately 71% of the planet's surface and is essential to every

known life thing. Humans use water for various activities, such as household chores,

transportation, and electricity production. Thus, contamination's presence and caliber in

microbiological, chemical, radioactive, and other forms is a sensitive and important matter

(Garba et al., 2008). The majority of people in numerous developing nations, including

Nigeria, have to depend on untreated groundwater as well as surface waters for their daily

needs due to the limited availability of clean water (Garba et al., 2008). Radon is the most

common form of radiation from natural sources. It is an odorless, colorless, naturally

occurring radioactive inert gas with a half-life of 3.82 days. Radon is a member of the

uranium decay series (Somlai, 1997). Studies show that nearly fifty percent of the total
222
effective dose equivalent from natural sources comes from Rn and its decay daughters;

the decay of Radium (226Ra), which is associated with rocks and soil, is the source of 222Rn's

concentration in water (Shilpa et al., 2018). Inhaling radon can cause lung cancer, which is

the biggest health risk connected to the gas and its radioactive children. Since radon in

water can be just as harmful to health as it is in the air, it is important to treat both

situations seriously. Radon in the air is a serious concern. In this study, water sources are

measured for radon concentrations in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

(FUNAAB and its environs) in Ogun state, Nigeria. Radon is present along with its decay

products, but it is invisible to human senses since it has no visual or smell characteristics.

1
Radon gas concentrations in groundwater typically remain higher than those in surface

water. Because

it is more easily absorbed via rocks and soil and dissolves in it (Xinwei, 2016). Since radon

is an invisible gas that might be present around them, people need to know where it comes

from and how it can impact them. A variety of methods are employed to quantify the

amount of radon in water samples: diffusion into chambers where the air is tested for radon

concentration, thus providing an idea about overall levels; liquid scintillation counting

specifically targeted at detecting radon-222 since it is one of the common radionuclides

found in water; and direct measurement using gamma-ray spectrometry, which does not

require any phase transfer. The importance of indoor exposure seems to vary throughout

countries. There are differing approaches adopted by different countries towards this shared

issue; some, like Switzerland, have already set limit values, while others have no limits at

all. To ensure that there is always a safe source of drinking water and that individuals do

not inadvertently consume harmful substances that could have further negative effects on

their health, extensive regulations should be established. Continuously high exposure to

radon and the products of decay that results can cause lung cancer, stomach and

gastrointestinal tract carcinomas, poor respiratory function, and other serious medical

conditions (Kendel et al., 2007; BEIR, 1999). For the sake of the general public's health and

welfare, drinking water quality must be guaranteed, particularly about radon levels. One of

the main issues with radiation protection in the past ten years has been the amount of radon

in water sources (Xinwei, 2006; Shilpa et al., 2017). According to reports, regions rich in
222
granite are linked to high activity concentrations of Rn (David et al., 2013). In addition,

the study indicates that a basement complex of metamorphic and igneous rocks underlies

2
the whole state of Kaduna. Radon is possibly dissolved in both surface and groundwater

due to radium in these rocks and soils decay to form radon (Garba et al., 2012). Therefore,

it is necessary to look into the radon content of water sources.

1.1 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

High concentrations of radon, a naturally existing radioactive gas, in drinking water have

been connected to a greater possibility of cancer and other health issues. However, the lack

of data on radon levels in water sources within particular regions and nations, like Nigeria,

makes it difficult to assess the possible effects on the health of communities that depend on

these water resources.

1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

 What are the levels of Radon concentrations that vary from place to place?

 How do Radon concentrations vary by water source type?

 Is there a significant difference in radon concentrations between different

geographic locations?

 Do radon concentrations exceed the recommendations guidelines (e.g. EPA’s

4000pCi/l) in any of the sampled water sources?

 Can radon concentrations in water be predicted based on easily measurable water

quality parameters (e.g., PH, temperature, conductivity)?

 Which issues with health are connected to drinking water contaminated by radon in

the research area?

 How can radon concentrations in water be effectively reduced or mitigated?

3
  What are the policy and the regulatory implications of the finding for protecting

public health?

1.3.0 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

1.3.1 AIM

This project aims to evaluate the radon concentration in samples of water from water

sources in the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB) and its environs

1.3.2 OBJECTIVES

The objectives are to:

1) Measure radon concentration in samples of water using RAD7,

2) To compare the values of radon concentrations obtained with relevant

standards/limits

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

 Public health concerns: Drinking water contaminated with radon increases the risk

of cancer and other disorders. Protecting the public's health requires an

understanding of radon levels in water sources.

 Knowledge gap: Limited data exists on radon concentrations in water sources in

Nigeria, making it essential to conduct this study to fill in the knowledge gap.

4
  Environmental Significance: The presence of radon in water may be a sign of

underlying environmental and geological causes, the geology of the area, and

possible environmental risks.

 Policy and Regulatory Implications: This study’s findings will inform policy and

regulatory decisions regarding radon in drinking water, ensuring that appropriate

measures are taken to protect public health.

 Community Impact: The results of this study will directly benefit communities

relying on the investigated water sources, providing them with vital information to

make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

 Scientific Contribution: By expanding our knowledge in the areas of environmental

and radioactive health, this research will help scientists better understand how radon

behaves in water systems.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focused on investigating the concentration of Radon in water samples from

Nigeria. The scope of this scope includes:

 Geographic Area: The study covered Funaab and its Environs, Nigeria, with a focus

on towns surrounding the school and also farms and hostels in the school.

 Water Sources: The study examined radon levels in groundwater and Surface water.

 Sample size: A total of 30 water samples was collected and analyzed for radon

concentration

 Variable: The study examined the following variables:

5
  Radon concentration (in Bq/l )

 Water source type (groundwater or surface water)

 Geographical location (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude)

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

A study by Komal Badhan et al. (2010) showed the set of measurements of radon

concentration levels in groundwater using an electronic radon meter (RAD7), and the

evaluation of indoor radon using LR-115 Type 11 plastic track detectors. The National

Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, has had its surroundings and groundwater measured.

Drinking water radon concentrations have been observed to range from 2560 to 7750

Bq/m3, with an average of 1543.33 Bq/m 3. The groundwater under investigation has also

had its pH analyzed; the average value is 6.99, although the range is 6.96 to 7.0. There is no

discernible relationship between the pH level and the levels of radon in groundwater. With

an average value of 124.5 Bq/m3, the estimated indoor radon concentration levels range

from 74 to 190 Bq/m3. The absorbed dose is estimated to be between 1.26 and 3.24 mSv/y,

which is well below water.

In 2023, Risimati Dibaba et al. did a study to verify an α-spectrometry technique. They

assessed the sensitivity and performance of a solid-state alpha detector to known radon

concentrations, changing sample volumes, and external meteorological conditions. Every

one of these influences the sample's behavior inside the detector. Radiation levels in five

water samples were measured and ranged from 90.66±7.20 mBq/l to 314.65±24.6 mBq/l.

The continuous radon monitor, which counted the α-particles released by the parent
6
radionuclide in secular equilibrium, was linked to the radon-stripping apparatus of the

experimental setup to determine the concentration of 222Rn in the water. The detector

recorded the impacts of internal temperature, relative humidity, sample concentrations and

volume, and other meteorological parameters.

Wedad et al. used an electronic radon detector called RAD7 that was attached to a RAD-

H2O accessory (Durridge Co., USA) to quantify the concentration of radon in thirty

groundwater samples from the Qassim area of Saudi Arabia. With an average value of 3.56

Bq/l, the measured radon concentration ranged from 0.76 Bq/l to 9.15 Bq/l. The maximum

permitted limit (MPL) of 11.1 Bq/l set by the EPA is substantially within the range of the

detected radon concentration values. The total annual effective dosage of radon detected in

the groundwater from the Buraydah area was significantly greater than the UNSCEAR and

WHO-recommended public exposure limit of 1 mSv/yr. Based on the subterranean water

recorded values from the research region, farmers can feel secure here and the population is

not particularly at risk from radon concentrations.

7
CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.0 STUDY AREA

The study area is the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta(FUNAAB), Ogun state,

Nigeria. It is situated in Nigeria's Southwest Geophysical Zone. It is located between

longitudes 3° 42' and 3° 46' east and latitudes 7°18' and 7°24' North. For the research,

sixteen locations—five inside the institution and five outside—were chosen. They include

the hostels(Umar Yakub, Marble hostels, Needs), farms ( Dufarms, Organic, Piggery,

Rabbitry, Ruminant, Funaab Alpha Chicken), Palm oil factory, Mushroom, Mummy Grace

Kitchen, Oluwo, Isolu, Camp, Agbede, Ogun Oshun River Basin, Funis, Harmony.

8
FIG. 3.1: Map showing the sampling locations

9
3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION:

The groundwater that was in the well was periodically drained to guarantee the gathering of

fresh samples. After that, samples were gathered in sterile containers with tight-fitting lids.

Borehole water samples were obtained after the existing water was removed from the pipe,

and surface water was collected using a bailer. Only after the pipe had been cleaned with

the water to be examined were the samples taken. The bottles were also filled to avoid

trapping carbon dioxide, which could dissolve fast and change the chemistry of the water

(Kamunda et al., 2017). Samples were taken, sent to the lab right away to maintain their

original makeup, and examined within three days to guarantee precision. As shown in

Table 4.1, samples were taken at each of the eighteen sampling sites from one of the chosen

water sources (stream, well, or borehole). During the sample operation, a Global

Positioning System (GPS) was used to map the precise positions of the sampling places on

Earth's surface.

3.2 SAMPLE PREPARATION

The samples were ready for analysis using the sample preparation methods described by

Garba et al. (2012). Using plastic sample vials, surface and groundwater samples were

taken at each site. The samples were transferred for processing to the Radio-Analytical

Laboratory at Ekiti State University in Ekiti, Nigeria. Ten milliliters of the liquid

scintillation solution were contained in the made-to-order vials. Ten milliliters of each

sample were meticulously taken out of the sample vial and placed into a disposable syringe

to minimize the quantity of sample that was out-gassed by aeration. Following an

instantaneous transfer to the liquid scintillation vials containing 10 ml of scintillation

solution, the samples in the hypodermic syringes were injected at the bottom of the vial,

10
below the immiscible scintillation solution. i.e. The vial cap was firmly secured after the

hypodermic needle was carefully removed from the vial. Due to 222Rn's higher solubility in

organic liquids, the vial was forcefully shaken to extract it from the water phase and into

the organic scintillant solution. The containers were incubated for approximately three

hours to facilitate the development of the 222Rn short-lived decay products and to achieve

secular equilibrium. Dissolving 10 ml of the scintillation solution in 10 ml of distilled water

produced the background samples. Likewise, 10 ml of the IAEA standard 222Rn to make the

calibration solution, and the sample was dissolved in 10 milliliters of distilled water.

3.3 LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS

A radon-in-air monitor (RAD-7; Durridge Co., Ltd.) was used to measure the 222Rn

content in groundwater samples. The closed-loop aeration system of the RAD H2O

technology (see Figure 3.2) was applied. The radon monitor (RAD-7), a water vial with an

aerator, and a desiccant tube supported by a retort stand make up this three-part method.

Schematic diagrams of the RAD-7 radon-in-air detector with RAD H2O are shown in

Figure 3.2. The RAD-7 radon-in-air detector was used in conjunction with the closed-loop

aeration system, which was created especially to remove radon from the water. The

procedure was tying 250 ml sample bottles to the RAD-7, which was then used to extract

radon from the water sample into the air loop using the internal air pump of the monitor. To

remove the radon, the air was constantly recirculated through the water until the RAD-H 2O

system reached an equilibrium. After the water, air, and the product of radon attached to the

(PIPS) detector reached equilibrium, the radon activity concentration in the air loop was

determined in order to calculate the initial radon-in-water concentration of each sample.

Using a passivated implanted planar silicon detector (PIPS) to find the radon daughter that

11
 218 214
decays alpha Po and Po, the RAD-7 enables the assessment of radon-in-air activity
222
concentrations. To measure the concentration of Rn in air, the radon monitor (RAD-7)

counts the positively charged polonium daughters, 218+Po (t1/2 = 3.1 min; alpha energy =

6.00 MeV) and 214+Po (t1/2 = 164 µs; alpha energy = 7.67 MeV), by applying a high

electric field above a silicon semi-conductor detected at ground potential. The average

radon reading is displayed in a summary that the RAD-7 prints out thirty minutes after the

experiment begins. The formula is used to adjust the amount of time that passed between

the sample collection and analysis:

T
______________
DCF = e 132.4 equation (1)

Decay Corrected Radon concentration values Average Radon concentration × DCF Where

DCF means Dose Conversion factor. T is the time lapsed in hours between sampling and

measurement.

12
Figure 3.2: Schematic representation of the experimental setup using a grab sample and a

radon-in-air monitor, an α-spectrometry method

13
Figure 3.3: Schematic representation of the RAD 7 instrument for measuring radon in water

14
CHAPTER FOUR

4.0. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Thirty different water samples were collected, and their radon activity concentrations were

measured: hostels (Umar Yakub, Marble hostels, Needs), farms (Dufarms, Organic,

Piggery, Rabbitry, Funaab Alpha Chicken) Palm oil factory, Mushroom, Mummy Grace

Kitchen, Oluwo, Isolu, Camp, Agbede, Ogun Oshun River Basin, Funis, Harmon, and

measured with a Rad7 counter, are presented in table 4.2 below.

15
TABLE 4.1: SAMPLES AND THEIR LOCATIONS

SAMPLE ID LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALTITUDE

SAMPLE 1 7°22’ 3°43’ 128.6m

SAMPLE 2 7° 23’ 3° 43’ 149.6m

SAMPLE 3 7° 22’ 3° 43’ 128.7m

SAMPLE 4 7° 22’ 3°43’ 120.2m

SAMPLE 5 7°23’ 3° 43’ 120.5m

SAMPLE 6 7°23’ 3°42’ 131.7m

SAMPLE 7 7°23’ 3°42’ 128.6m

SAMPLE 8 7°23’ 3°43’ 130.1m

SAMPLE 9 7°24’ 3°44’ 145.1m

SAMPLE 10 7°23’ 3°44’ 144.9m

SAMPLE 11 7°23’ 3°43’ 136.9m

SAMPLE 12 7°23’ 3°43’ 148.8m

SAMPLE 13 7°23’ 3°43’ 142.8m

SAMPLE 14 7°23’ 3°43’ 142.6m

SAMPLE 15 7°23’ 3°43’ 147.7m

SAMPLE 16 7°23’ 3°43’ 149.4m

SAMPLE 17 7°23’ 3°43’ 154.8m

SAMPLE 18 7°23’ 3°45’ 159.2m

SAMPLE 19 7°24’ 3°46’ 169.5m

SAMPLE 20 7°22’ 3°46’ 176.7m

SAMPLE 21 7°22’ 3°46’ 168.6m

SAMPLE 22 7°22’ 3°45’ 149.3m

16
 SAMPLE 23 7°21’ 3°44’ 166.5m

SAMPLE 24 7°21’ 3°44’ 138m

SAMPLE 25 7°20’ 3°44’ 143m

SAMPLE 26 7°18’ 3°43’ 120.6m

SAMPLE 27 7°18’ 3°44’ 141.9m

SAMPLE 28 7°18’ 3°44’ 129.4m

SAMPLE 29 7°18’ 3°44’ 133m

SAMPLE 30 7°18’ 3°44’ 128.8m

TABLE 4.2: Radon concentration in Bq/l in water samples from different sources

17
 I SOURCES TIME DCF MAX. MIN. S.D R.C T R.H

D IN

HOURS

1 BOREHOLE 105.48 2.218 0.838 0.00 0.157 0.621 29.8 26.5

2 BOREHOLE 99.8 2.125 15.003 61.894 16.083 12.580 30.1 23.3

3 WELL 111.72 2.325 6.836 5.195 6.645 4.883 29.2 25

4 BOREHOLE 112.42 2.338 10.005 8.181 9.004 5.844 29.5 21

5 WELL 122.33 2.519 3.527 2.104 2.257 2.992 29.7 20.1

6 BOREHOLE 115.2 2.387 23.489 145.71 28.657 20.816 29.7 18.8

7 SURFACE 114.45 2.374 4.985 2.373 2.841 3.323 29.5 18.8

8 WELL 115.67 2.396 11.786 12.892 17.420 7.426 28.3 18.3

9 BOREHOLE 114.87 2.381 33.527 222.894 83.147 27.050 28.6 13

10 BOREHOLE 117.43 2.428 35.784 290.476 71.282 28.647 28.6 17.3

11 WELL 119.77 2.471 19.273 134.444 30.838 18.631 29.8 15.8

12 BOREHOLE 120.12 2.478 20.811 82.501 31.633 16.500 30 16.3

13 WELL 120.52 2.485 16.401 47.736 23.716 13.717 30.1 15.5

14 BOREHOLE 123.18 2.535 19.273 82.939 30.095 17.647 29.5 20.3

15 BOREHOLE 123.22 2.536 69.999 1435.69 148.40 61.883 29.5 18.5

16 BOREHOLE 123.82 2.548 75.922 1531.58 258.13 67.769 29.5 17

17 WELL 125.23 2.575 12.617 11.144 18.068 7.570 29.4 22.8

18 BOREHOLE 126.75 2.605 4.642 1.057 3.314 2.969 29.1 20.8

19 WELL 127.32 2.616 12.609 31.338 11.701 10.516 29.5 16.3

20 WELL 128.03 2.630 35.348 354.875 44.184 32.086 29.8 15.3

18
21 SURFACE 128.77 2.645 7.776 3.463 7.465 5.078 29.5 16.3

22 SURFACE 129.35 2.656 1.859 0.000 0.632 0.903 29.8 15.4

23 BOREHOLE 129.81 2.666 3.732 0.852 2.090 2.506 29.8 15.6

24 SURFACE 129.95 2.668 1.831 0.000 0.632 0.480 29.8 14.3

25 BOREHOLE 132.82 2.727 7.635 4.764 6.689 4.745 29.2 17.3

26 WELL 133.27 2.736 8.428 13.790 4.146 6.895 29.2 16.5

27 BOREHOLE 140.93 2.899 2.064 0.000 0.702 0.754 28.6 21.3

28 WELL 141.52 2.912 11.823 10.353 13.266 7.280 28.6 19.3

29 WELL 144.73 2.984 13.068 19.173 13.957 9.130 29.2 18.8

30 SURFACE 146.23 3.018 4.985 0.780 3.081 2.293 29.2 16.5

R.C. = Radon concentration.

R.H = Relative humidity

S.D = Standard Deviation

T = Temperature, DCF = Dose Conversion Factor

TABLE 4.3: THE HISTOGRAM SHOWING THE SAMPLES AND THEIR RADON

CONCENTRATION IN Bq/l

19
 80

70

60
Radon Concentration in Bq/L

50

40

30

20

10

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Samples

Differences in the area's geological structure, the depth of the water source, and

temperature may all contribute to variations in radon concentration. (Komal et al.,2010;

Sally et al.,2024 ). According to some reports, an area's geological structure and climate

20
play a major role in the presence of high radon concentrations. The radon activity

concentrations were found to be above 11.10Bq/l (the maximum contamination limit

recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency,1991.); exceptions

are samples (Well 3, Borehole 4, Well 5, Surface 7, Well 8, Well 17, Borehole 18, Well 19,

Surface 21, Surface 22, Borehole 23, Surface 24, Borehole 25, Well 26, Borehole 27, Well

28, Well 29, Surface 30) which were lower than this limit at 0.621±0.157, 4.883±6.645,

5.844±9.004, 2.992±2.257, 3.323±2.841, 7.426±17.420, 7.570±18.068, 2.969±3.314,

10.516±11.701, 5.078±7.465, 0.903±0.632, 2.506±2.090, 0.480±0.632, 4.745±6.689,

6.895±4.146, 0.754±0.702, 7.280±13.266, 9.130±13.957 and 2.293±3.081 Bq/l

respectively. Also, the radon concentration ranges from 0.621±0.157 to 67.769±258.13

with an average of 19.309±21.487 for groundwater samples and the radon concentration

ranges from 0.480±0.632 to 5.078 ± 7.465 with an average of 2.415±1.868 for surface

water samples and the radon concentration ranges from 2.992±2.257 to 10.516±11.701 with

an average of 11.011±8.19 for well water samples.

None of the water samples has a radon activity concentration value up to 100Bq/l (for a

public water supply), the value recommended by the European Union Commission

(EU,2001) to be the upper bound value at which the remedial action is required. However,

surface water samples (Surface 7, Surface 21, Surface 22, and Surface 30) with

3.323±2.841, 5.078±7.465, 0.903±0.632 and 2.293±3.081Bq/l respectively have lower

Radon concentration compared to some groundwater because groundwater has direct and

prolonged interaction of Uranium-rich rock and soil with the water.(Hopke et

al.,2000;kandari et al.,2016;Almori et al.,2019)

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Altitude is also another important factor affecting the Radon concentration in water in

which the radon concentration is minimal in a sample with the highest value of the altitude

but in the result of table 4.1, it is so clear that this is not true, therefore this only depends on

the geology of the location.

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 CONCLUSION
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A sum of 30 samples (groundwater and surface water ) were collected from hostels(Umar

Yakub, Marble hostels, Needs), farms (Dufarms, Organic, Piggery, Rabbitry, Funaab Alpha

Chicken) Palm oil factory, Mushroom, Mummy Grace Kitchen, Oluwo, Isolu, Camp,

Agbede, Ogun Oshun River Basin, Funis, Harmony for 222Rn were examined. The research

results show that 63 percent of the water samples had radon concentrations below 11.1

Bq/L, the highest level of contamination recommended by the US Environmental

Protection Agency, in 1991. However, the radon concentration in water samples is below

100bq/l, the value recommended by the European Union Commission,2001.

5.2 CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

 Investigation of radon levels in groundwater and surface water sources using Rad7:

Identifying high-radon areas and informing public health policy.

 Correlation of radon in water with geological and environmental factors using

Rad7: Understanding the radon sources and transport of radon in aquifers in

groundwater(borehole)

5.3 RECOMMENDATION:

Further studies can be on

 Installing a radon mitigation system, which may involve selecting between ion

exchange, GAC (granular activated carbon) filters, and aeration system.

 More accurate sampling techniques.

REFERENCES

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 David, A. “Radon in groundwater: A study of the contributing factors and health

implications.” Environmental Earth Sciences, 69(4),1249-1258,2013.

 D’Alessandro, W. and Vita, F., “Groundwater radon measurements in the Mt. Etna

area”. J. Environ. Radioact. 65, 187-201. 2003.

 Garba, N. “Assessment of Radon concentrations in water sources from Sabon Gari

local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria”,2021

 Komal Badhan, Rohit Mehra and R G Sonkawade. “Measuresurement of radon

concentration in groundwater using RAD7 and assessment of average annual dose

in the environs of NITJ, Punjab, India”.,2010.

 Livhuwani Masevhe , Risimati Dazmen Mavunda and Simon Connell.

“Meteorological Effects on the performance of a solid-state alpha-Detector

Measuring Water Samples with Predefined Radon concentration”,2023.

 Manawi Y, Ahmad A, Subeh M, Hushari M, Bukhari S, Al-Sultaiti H. Evaluation of

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 Oni, E. A. “Measurement of Radon concentration in Drinking water of Ado-Ekiti,

Nigeria”. Journal of Academia and Industrial Research. 4(8):190-192,2016.

 Risimati, D. “Radon concentrations in groundwater from various geological

formations in South Africa.” Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B,

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 Sally Yakoob Taher, Kahlaa H Aboud, Ali Saeed Jassim and Ali Abid Abojassim.

“Radon concentrations in water using RAD7 Technical Review”,2024.

 Somlai, K. “Radon in groundwater: “A review of sources, levels, and health risks.”

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groundwater: A review of sources, levels, and health risks.” Journal of

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