ANALYSIS OF WATER RADIATION WITH A SAMPLE

Water is fundamental to human health and well-being, but its safety can be compromised by various contaminants, including radioactive substances. Radioactive contamination of water can result from both natural processes and human activities, presenting significant health risks. Studies have shown that radioactive elements such as radon and uranium can be present in groundwater, which is a critical concern for communities relying on well water (Miller et al., 2023). The Jos Plateau in Nigeria, known for its mineral-rich geological formations, is an area of interest due to its potential for high natural radiation levels in groundwater. Research by Ahmed and Zubair (2022) highlights that regions with significant geological activity, like the Jos Plateau, are prone to elevated radiation levels in water sources. This can be attributed to the presence of natural radioactive materials in the earth’s crust that can leach into groundwater supplies. Recent studies have identified radon, a radioactive gas, as a major concern in groundwater contamination. According to Ibrahim and Adamu (2024), radon emanates from soil and rock and can dissolve in groundwater, posing health risks such as lung cancer when inhaled. The Jos Plateau's geological characteristics make it a significant area for studying radon levels in water.

Another important radioactive element in water is uranium, which can have detrimental health effects, including kidney damage and cancer. A study by Obasi et al. (2023) found that areas with high uranium content in soil and rock formations often have elevated levels of uranium in groundwater. This is pertinent to the Jos Plateau, where uranium mining and natural deposits may influence water quality. Understanding the impact of radiation in water is crucial for public health. According to Onyema and Njoku (2023), exposure to high levels of radiation from drinking water can lead to serious health conditions, including various cancers. This underscores the need for regular monitoring and assessment of water sources to ensure they meet safety standards.

The methodology for assessing water radiation typically involves sampling and laboratory analysis. Research by Smith and Lewis (2022) emphasizes the importance of employing accurate measurement techniques to assess radiation levels effectively. This study will utilize these techniques to analyze water samples collected from the Jos Plateau, ensuring reliable results. The scope of this study is focused on samples collected from the Jos Plateau, a region known for its unique geological and environmental characteristics. According to Johnson and Aliyu (2023), this area provides a diverse range of water sources that can offer insights into the regional variations in radiation levels. This targeted approach will help in understanding the specific challenges faced in this region.

Health and environmental regulations often set permissible limits for radioactive contaminants in water. As noted by Williams and Ojo (2023), regulatory standards are crucial for protecting public health and ensuring that water quality remains within safe limits. This study will compare the analyzed radiation levels with these standards to evaluate compliance and safety. In conclusion, analyzing water radiation levels in the Jos Plateau is vital for addressing potential health risks and ensuring safe drinking water. Research by Elisha and Olarinde (2023) underscores the importance of localized studies to address specific environmental and health challenges. This study aims to contribute valuable data on water radiation levels in this region and inform appropriate safety measures.

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem 

The presence of radioactive contaminants in water sources presents a significant public health concern, particularly in regions with known geological and environmental risks. The Jos Plateau, a mineral-rich area in Nigeria, is suspected to have elevated levels of radioactive substances in groundwater due to its geological composition (Adewale et al., 2024). This region's unique geological features may contribute to increased radon and uranium levels in water, raising concerns about the safety of drinking water. Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is known to dissolve in groundwater and can lead to serious health issues if ingested or inhaled (Fayemi et al., 2023). Despite its known health risks, there is limited data on radon concentrations in water sources within the Jos Plateau. This gap in research necessitates an in-depth analysis of radon levels to evaluate potential health risks for local populations (Ibrahim et al., 2024).

Uranium, another radioactive element of concern, can enter groundwater through natural processes or mining activities. Recent studies have highlighted that elevated uranium concentrations in drinking water can lead to kidney damage and other serious health conditions (Ogunleye & Afolabi, 2023). The Jos Plateau's history of mineral extraction and natural uranium deposits raises questions about the safety of water in this region. Additionally, the long-term exposure to low levels of radiation from drinking water may have cumulative health effects that are not immediately apparent. According to Nwankwo et al. (2023), chronic exposure to low-level radiation can contribute to various forms of cancer, including bladder and liver cancer. Understanding these risks is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and regulatory measures.

The current regulatory standards for radioactive contaminants in water are established to protect public health. However, there is a need to evaluate whether these standards are adequate for the specific conditions in the Jos Plateau (Adamu et al., 2024). Comparing local water radiation levels against international safety guidelines will help assess whether current regulations are sufficient or need adjustments. Furthermore, there is a lack of comprehensive studies focusing on the interaction between geological factors and water radiation levels in the Jos Plateau. Research by Kolo et al. (2024) indicates that local geological conditions can significantly impact radiation levels in water sources, yet there are limited studies addressing this interaction in the Jos Plateau specifically.

The health implications of radioactive water contamination extend beyond immediate health effects to long-term environmental and societal impacts. Studies by Akinwale et al. (2023) show that communities exposed to contaminated water may experience increased healthcare costs and decreased quality of life, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and preventive measures.

Despite the known risks, public awareness and knowledge about water radiation in the Jos Plateau remain low. Efforts to educate local communities about the potential hazards of radioactive water and the importance of regular monitoring are essential (Eze & Chukwu, 2023). Raising awareness can drive community engagement and support for water safety initiatives. In conclusion, addressing the problem of radioactive contamination in water sources in the Jos Plateau is essential for safeguarding public health and ensuring safe drinking water. Comprehensive research and analysis are needed to fill existing knowledge gaps, evaluate compliance with safety standards, and develop effective public health strategies (Ifeanyi et al., 2024). This study aims to contribute valuable data and insights to address these critical issues.

To analyze the levels of radioactive contamination in water from the Jos Plateau and assess associated health risks.

This research is essential due to the potential health risks associated with radioactive contaminants in groundwater, particularly in the Jos Plateau region, which is known for its unique geological characteristics that may lead to elevated levels of radon and uranium. Identifying and quantifying these contaminants is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water and protecting public health. By comparing the contamination levels with regulatory standards and assessing health risks, this study will provide valuable data to inform local water safety measures, enhance public awareness, and guide policy decisions aimed at mitigating health risks associated with waterborne radiation (Ahmed et al., 2023; Fayemi et al., 2023).

This study focuses on analyzing the levels of radioactive contaminants, specifically radon and uranium, in groundwater samples collected from various locations within the Jos Plateau region of Nigeria. The research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of these contaminants and their potential health risks by measuring concentrations and comparing them with regulatory standards. The scope includes sampling water from selected sites, conducting laboratory analyses, and evaluating the results in the context of public health guidelines (Ahmed et al., 2023).

However, the study has limitations, including the potential variability in radon and uranium levels due to differences in geological formations across the Jos Plateau. The research is also constrained by the availability of resources for comprehensive sampling and analysis. Additionally, the study's findings may be limited by the representativeness of the selected sample sites and the accuracy of measurement techniques used (Fayemi et al., 2023). These limitations should be considered when interpreting the results and making recommendations for water safety.