Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda
Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health. In Arua City, Northern Uganda, boreholes serve as a primary water source, but their safety may be compromised by radionuclide contamination. This study analyzed gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in borehole water sa...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SAGE Publishing
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Environmental Health Insights |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302251339260 |
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| author | Afam Uzorka Joseph Candia Living Ouyesiga Ademola Olatide Olaniyan |
| author_facet | Afam Uzorka Joseph Candia Living Ouyesiga Ademola Olatide Olaniyan |
| author_sort | Afam Uzorka |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Access to safe drinking water is essential for public health. In Arua City, Northern Uganda, boreholes serve as a primary water source, but their safety may be compromised by radionuclide contamination. This study analyzed gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in borehole water samples from Ayivu East, Ayivu West, and Arua City Central using gamma spectrometry. Eighteen samples from 6 boreholes per division were assessed against UNSCEAR global averages. Results showed high variability in radionuclide concentrations. Several boreholes, particularly on Arua Hill’s slopes, had ²²⁶Ra levels exceeding the global average of 35 Bq/L, while ²³²Th remained below 30 Bq/L in all samples. ⁴⁰K concentrations surpassed the global average of 400 Bq/L in all divisions. Absorbed dose rates in some boreholes exceeded 57 nGy/h, though annual effective doses remained below 0.41 mSv/y. Hazard indices in specific boreholes suggested health risks. The study recommends regular monitoring, geological assessments, safe drilling, public awareness, and water treatment to ensure water safety and protect public health. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-01fad10d192c4acca293a3ed0d67a2ac |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1178-6302 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | SAGE Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Environmental Health Insights |
| spelling | doaj-art-01fad10d192c4acca293a3ed0d67a2ac2025-08-20T03:22:21ZengSAGE PublishingEnvironmental Health Insights1178-63022025-05-011910.1177/11786302251339260Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern UgandaAfam Uzorka0Joseph Candia1Living Ouyesiga2Ademola Olatide Olaniyan3Kampala International University, UgandaKampala International University, UgandaKampala International University, UgandaKampala International University, UgandaAccess to safe drinking water is essential for public health. In Arua City, Northern Uganda, boreholes serve as a primary water source, but their safety may be compromised by radionuclide contamination. This study analyzed gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K) in borehole water samples from Ayivu East, Ayivu West, and Arua City Central using gamma spectrometry. Eighteen samples from 6 boreholes per division were assessed against UNSCEAR global averages. Results showed high variability in radionuclide concentrations. Several boreholes, particularly on Arua Hill’s slopes, had ²²⁶Ra levels exceeding the global average of 35 Bq/L, while ²³²Th remained below 30 Bq/L in all samples. ⁴⁰K concentrations surpassed the global average of 400 Bq/L in all divisions. Absorbed dose rates in some boreholes exceeded 57 nGy/h, though annual effective doses remained below 0.41 mSv/y. Hazard indices in specific boreholes suggested health risks. The study recommends regular monitoring, geological assessments, safe drilling, public awareness, and water treatment to ensure water safety and protect public health.https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302251339260 |
| spellingShingle | Afam Uzorka Joseph Candia Living Ouyesiga Ademola Olatide Olaniyan Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda Environmental Health Insights |
| title | Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda |
| title_full | Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda |
| title_fullStr | Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda |
| title_full_unstemmed | Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda |
| title_short | Analysis of Radionuclide Concentrations in Water Samples From Selected Bore-Holes in Arua City, Northern Uganda |
| title_sort | analysis of radionuclide concentrations in water samples from selected bore holes in arua city northern uganda |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1177/11786302251339260 |
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