Natural radioactivity and heavy metal distribution in reservoirs in Ghana

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, Ghana

2 Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Accra, Ghana

10.7508/pj.2017.02. 006

Abstract

The present paper has determined the radioactivity concentrations, which are due to natural occurrence of radionuclides along with heavy metal concentration in water, sediment, and fish from 2 reservoirs in Ghana. Heavy metal concentrations in all samples were generally within the WHO safe limits with the average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in water being respectively 0.42±0.20, 0.33±0.31, and 1.59±1.07 Bq/L in case of Lake Bosomtwe and 0.26±0.14, 0.67±0.34 and 1.47±0.62 Bq/L for Bui Dam in Ghana. The average annual effective dose due to ingestion of radionuclides in water ranged from 20.5 to 156 for Lake Bosomtwe and 26.5 to 162 μSv/year for Bui dam and the absorbed dose rate and annual effective dose, measured for Lake Bosomtwe, was 15.45±2.00 nGy/year and 18.95±2.95 mS/year respectively while in case of Bui dam it accounted to 10.44±4.11 nGy/year and 12.88±5.01 mS/year respectively, found to be within the UNSCEAR recommended limits of 59 nGy/year and 100 mS/year respectively. The observed metal concentrations, within safety limits, imply that metal-associated diseases cannot be expected among patrons of these reservoirs. Therefore, radionuclides and heavy metals levels in the reservoirs are not expected to cause any significant health problem for humans.

Keywords

References

Adu, S., Darko, E.O., Awudu, A.R., Adukpo, O.K., Obeng, M., Otoo, F. and Faanu, A. (2011). Preliminary Study of Natural Radioactivity in the Lake Bosumtwi Basin. Environ. Earth Sci. 3, 463-468.
Adukpo, O.K., Faanu, A., Lawluvi, H., Darko, E.O., Kansaana, C., Kpeglo, D.O. and Awudu, A.R. (2015). Distribution and assessment of radionuclides in sediments, soil and water from the lower basin of river Pra in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 303, 1679-1685. doi:10.1007/s10967-014-3637-5.
Adukpo, O.K., Faanu, A., Lawluvi, H., Darko, E.O., Kansaana, C., Kpeglo, D.O. and Awudu, A.R. (2014a). Distribution and assessment of radionuclides in sediments, soil and water from the lower basin of river Pra in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 302. doi:10.1007/s10967-014-3637-5.
Adukpo, O.K., Faanu, A., Lawluvi, H., Tettey-Larbi, L., Emi-Reynolds, G., Darko, E.O., Kansaana, C., Kpeglo, D.O., Awudu, A.R., Glover, E.T., Amoah, P.A., Efa, A.O., Agyemang, L.A., Agyeman, B.K., Kpordzro, R. and Doe, A.I. (2014b). Distribution and assessment of radionuclides in sediments, soil and water from the lower basin of river Pra in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 303, 1679–1685. doi:10.1007/s10967-014-3637-5.
Agbalagba, E., Avwiri, G. and Chadumoren, Y. (2013). Gross α and β Activity Concentration and Estimation of Adults and Infants Dose intake in Surface and Ground Water of Ten Oil Fields Environment in Western Niger Delta of Nigeria. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manag. 17, 267-277. doi:10.4314/jasem.v17i2.10.
Agbalagba, E.O. and Onoja, R.A. (2011). Evaluation of natural radioactivity in soil, sediment and water samples of Niger Delta (Biseni) flood plain lakes, Nigeria. J. Environ. Radioact. 102, 667-71. doi:10.1016/j.jenvrad.2011.03.002.
Agyarko, K., Dartey, E., Kuffour, R. and Sarkodie, P. (2014). Assessment of trace elements levels in sediment and water in some artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) localities in Ghana. Curr. World Environ. J. 9, 7-16. doi:10.12944/CWE.9.1.02.
Akan, J.C., Mohmoud, S., Yikala, B.S. and Ogugbuaja, V.O. (2012). Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in fish samples from River Benue in Vinikilang, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Am. J. Anal. Chem. 3, 727-736. doi:10.4236/ajac.2012.311097.
Akoto, O., Darko, G., Nkansah, M.A. (2011). Chemical Composition of Rainwater over a Mining Area in Ghana. Int. J. Enviromental Res. 5, 847-854.
Akoto, O., Bruce, T.N. and Darko, G. (2008). Heavy metals pollution profiles in streams serving the Owabi reservoir. African J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2, 354-359.
Akyil, S., Aytas, S., Turkozu, D.A., Aslani, M.A.A., Yusan, S. (Doyurum) and Eral, M. (2009). Radioactivity levels in surface water of lakes around Izmir/Turkey. Radiat. Meas. 44, 390-395. doi:10.1016/j.radmeas.2009.04.013.
Asante, F., Agbeko, E., Addae, G. and Quainoo, A.K. (2011). Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in water, sediments and tissues of some selected fishes from the Red Volta, Nangodi in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Br. J. Appl. Sci. Technol. 4, 594-603.
Avwiri, G.O., Tchokossa, P. and Mokobia, C.E. (2007). Natural radionuclides in borehole water in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Radiat. Prot. Dosimetry 123, 509-514. doi:10.1093/rpd/ncl526.
Banu, Z., Chowdhury, S.A., Hossain, M.D. and Nakagami, K. (2013). Contamination and ecological risk assessment of heavy metal in the sediment of Turag River, Bangladesh: An index analysis approach. J. Water Resour. Prot. 5, 239-248. doi:10.4236/jwarp.2013.52024.
Bonotto, D.M., Bueno, T.O., Tessari, B.W. and Silva, A. (2009). The natural radioactivity in water by gross alpha and beta measurements. Radiat. Meas. 44, 92-101. doi:10.1016/j.radmeas.2008.10.015.
Boszke, L., Sobczyński, T., Głosińska, G., Kowalski, A. and Siepak, J. (2004). Distribution of mercury and other heavy metals in bottom sediments of the middle Odra River (Germany/Poland). Polish J. Environ. Stud. 13, 495-502. doi:10.1023/B:WATE.0000049171.22781.bd.
Cai, Y. (2000). Speciation and analysis of mercury, arsenic, and selenium by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. TrAC Trends Anal. Chem. 19, 62-66. doi:10.1016/S0165-9936(99)00180-6.
Carr, C.J.R.G.M. (2009). Development and sensitivity analysis of a global drinking water quality index, 73-90. doi:10.1007/s10661-008-0464-6.
Darko, E.O., Adu, S., Awudu, A.R., Adukpo, O.K., Emi-Reynolds, G., Faanu, A. and Obeng, M.K. (2011). Preliminary study of natural radioactivity in the lake Bosumtwi Basin. Res. J. Environ. Earth Sci. 3, 463-468.
Darko, G., Faanu, A., Akoto, O., Acheampong, A., Goode, E.J. and Gyamfi, O. (2015). Distribution of natural and artificial radioactivity in soils, water and tuber crops. Environ. Monit. Assess. 187, 1-11. doi:10.1007/s10661-015-4580-9.
Darko, G., Faanu, A., Akoto, O., Atta-Agyeman, F., Aikins, M.A., Agyemang, B. and Ibrahim, A. (2014a). Assessment of the activity of radionuclides and radiological impacts of consuming underground water in Kumasi, Ghana. Environ. Earth Sci. 73, 399-404. doi:10.1007/s12665-014-3433-0.
Darko, G., Faanu, A., Akoto, O., Atta-Agyeman, F., Aikins, M.A., Agyemang, B. and Ibrahim, A. (2014b). Assessment of the activity of radionuclides and radiological impacts of consuming underground water in Kumasi, Ghana. Environ. Earth Sci. doi:10.1007/s12665-014-3433-0.
Degerlier, M. and, Karahan, G. (2010). Natural radioactivity in various surface waters in Adana, Turkey. Desalination 261, 126-130. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2010.05.020.
Dragovic, S., Mihailovic, N. and Gajic, B. (2008). Heavy metals in soils: Distribution, relationship with soil characteristics and radionuclides and multivariate assessment of contamination sources. Chemosphere 72, 491-495. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.02.063.
El-Mageed, A.I.A., El-Kamel, A.E., Abbady, A.E., Harb, S., Saleh, I.I., Ibrahim, A. and Issa, I. (2011). Natural radioactivity of ground and hot spring water in some areas in Yemen. Desalination 321, 28-31. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2011.11.022.
Faanu, A., Lawluvi, H., Kpeglo, D.O., Darko, E.O., Awudu, A.R. and Adukpo, O.K. (2014). Assessment of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity levels In soils, rocks and water in the vicinity of Chirano Gold Mine in Ghana. Radiat. Prot. Dosimetry 158, 87-99. doi:10.1093/rpd/nct197.
Faanu, A., Kpeglo, D.O., Sackey, M., Darko, E.O., Lawluvi, H., Awudu, R. and Adukpo, O.K. (2013). Natural and artificial radioactivity distribution in soil, rock and water of the Central Ashanti Gold Mine, Ghana. Environ. Earth Sci. doi:10.1007/s12665-013-2244-z.
Faanu, A., Darko, E.O. and Ephraim, J.H. (2006). Determination of natural radioactivity and hazard in soil and rock samples in a mining area in Ghana. West African J. Appl. Ecol. 11, 1-11.
Fahmi, N.M., El-Khatib, A., El-Salam, Y.M.A., Shalaby, M.H., El-Gally, M.M. and Naim, M.A. (2010). Study of the environmental impacts of the natural radioactivity presents in beach sand and Lake Sediment samples Idku, Behara, Egypt, in: Proceedings of the 10th Radiation Physics & Protection Conference. Cairo, Egypt, 27-30.
Franco-Uría, A., López-Mateo, C., Roca, E. and Fernández-Marcos, M.L. (2009). Source identification of heavy metals in pastureland by multivariate analysis in NW Spain. J. Hazard. Mater. 165, 1008–1015. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.10.118.
Gjoka, F., Felix-Henningsen, P., Wegener, H.R., Salillari, I. and Beqiraj, A. (2011). Heavy metals in soils from Tirana (Albania). Environ. Monit. Assess. 172, 517-527. doi:10.1007/s10661-010-1351-5
Gorchev, H.G. and Ozolins, G. (1984). WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality. WHO Chron. 38, 104-108. doi:10.1016/S1462-0758(00)00006-6.
IAEA (1996). International Basic Safety standards for Protection against Ionizing radiation and for the Safety of Radiation Sources, Safety series. Vienna, Austria.
ICRP (2007). Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP Publication 103, Annals of the International Commission for Radiological Protection. Pergamon Press, Oxford.
Khayet, M. and Matsuura, T. (2013). Radioactive decontamination of water. Desalination 321, 1–2. doi:10.1016/j.desal.2013.05.004.
Kishe, M.A. and Machiwa, J.F. (2000). Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Mwanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Environ. Int. 28, 619-625.
Liang, L.N., Jiang, G.B., Liu, J.F. and Hu, J.T. (2003). Speciation analysis of mercury in seafood by using high-performance liquid chromatography on-line coupled with cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry via a post column microwave digestion. Anal. Chim. Acta 477, 131-137. doi:10.1016/S0003-2670(02)01412-5.
Liu, C.W., Lin, K.H. and Kuo, Y.M. (2003). Application of factor analysis in the assessment of groundwater quality in a black foot disease area in Taiwan. Sci. Total Environ. 313, 77-89.
Lu, A., Wang, J., Qin, X., Wang, K., Han, P. and Zhang, S. (2012). Multivariate and geostatistical analyses of the spatial distribution and origin of heavy metals in the agricultural soils in Shunyi, Beijing, China. Sci. Total Environ. 425, 66-74. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.003.
OECD/NEA (1979). Exposure to radiation from natural radioactivity in building materials, report by NEA Group of Experts, Nuclear Energy Agency. OECD. Paris.
Ogoyi, D.O., Mwita, C.J., Nguu, E.K.  and Shiundu, P.M. (2011). Determination of heavy metal content in water, sediment and microalgae from Lake Victoria, East Africa. The open Environmental Engineering Journal. 4, 156-161.
Pakade, V.E., Cukrowska, E.M., Darkwa, J., Darko, G., Torto, N. and Chimuka, L. (2012). Simple and efficient ion imprinted polymer for recovery of uranium from environmental samples. Water Sci. Technol. 65, 728-736. doi:10.2166/wst.2012.911.
UNSCEAR (2000). Annex B: Exposures from natural radiation sources, UNSCEAR 2000 Report: Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. New York.
Uosif, M.A.M., Mostafa, A.M.A., Elsaman, R. and Moustafa, E. (2014). Natural radioactivity levels and radiological hazards indices of chemical fertilizers commonly used in Upper Egypt. J. Radiat. Res. Appl. Sci. 7, 430-437. doi:10.1016/j.jrras.2014.07.006.
Uosif, M., Abuel-Fadl, K., Issa, S.M., Mostafa, A. and Taha, M.M. (2013). The status of natural radioactivity and heavy metals pollution on soil at Assiut Zone in Central Upper-Egypt. Radiat. Prot. Environ. 36, 20–26. doi:10.4103/0972-0464.121819.
US-EPA (2012). 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories. EPA 822-S-12-001. Washington DC.
US-EPA (2007). Field portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry for the determination of elemental concentrations in soil and sediment. Method 6200 [WWW Document]. URL http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/sfund/r9sfdocw.nsf/3dc283e6c5d6056f88257426007417a2/e599199dc919b049882576a300616943/$file/attachment 1.pdf#_ga=1.260838029.1899728909.1418825614.
Welz, B. and Melcher, M. (1985). Decomposition of marine biological tissues for determination of arsenic, selenium, and mercury using hydride-generation and cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometries. Anal. Chem. 57, 427-431. doi:10.1021/ac50001a024.
Pollution
Volume 3, Issue 2
April 2017
Pages 225-241

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics