Evaluation of Natural Radionuclide Content in Potable Water in some Communities in Abuakwa South Municipality, Ghana

Assessment of potable radionuclides in Abuakwa South

Abstract

This research investigates naturally occurring radionuclides in household water supplies in some communities in Abuakwa South Municipality, Eastern region, Ghana, to provide understanding of probable radionuclide point sources in the region. Gamma spectrometry was used to determine the amounts of radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40K) in water from hand-dug wells, boreholes, and pipe-borne sources. These concentrations were used to compute the excess lifetime risk and the annual committed effective dose. The study found differences in excess lifetime risk and annual committed effective dose among the different sampling locations. The Bunso pipe and well had higher doses, resulting in an increased excess lifetime risk. The average excess lifetime risk for all locations was 503.7 x 10-6. The WHO average of 0.1 mSv/y for water was surpassed by the average yearly committed effective dosage, especially for infants below 1 year, and therefore suggests consumption of water in the area may pose a radiological risk. The Environmental Protection Agency and Abuakwa South Municipal should prioritise monitoring and mitigating risks in areas with elevated excess lifetime risk. Public awareness campaigns should be implemented to educate communities about the potential long-term health risks associated with drinking water from specific sources.