Evaluation of radon in surface water and groundwater around an illegal mining site in Dareta, Zamafara, Nigeria: assessing potential health risks

Abstract

Radon (²²²Rn), among all natural radiation sources, is considered the most hazardous to human health. This study evaluated the ²²²Rn concentration and radiological risk in the surface water and groundwater in Dareta Village. The water samples were randomly collected, and ²²²Rn was measured using a DURRIDGE-RAD7 analyzer. The mean ²²²Rn concentration was in the range of 2.64 ± 0.10–12.30 ± 3.20 Bq/l, and the mean of the total annual effective dose was 12.54–82.02 µSv/y. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the ²²²Rn concentrations were safe, except for ZGW-01 and ZGW-02. However, it is recommended that water samples be treated before consumption.