Linear Attenuation as an Indicator for Safe Water

Abstract

This study analyses the linear attenuation coefficient as an indicator for safe water, the study was carried out using various water samples from borehole, well and pond in two Local Government Areas namely, Jos North and Jos East areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. The samples were collected in a Perspex of volume 7cm´7cm´7cm and filled to a height of 3cm. Energy of 70kVp of X-ray was passed through the samples with an X-ray detector under the Perspex of water to get the different final X-ray doses. From the study the linear attenuation coefficient ranges from 0.2878cm^-1-0.4270cm^-1, 0.3074cm^-1-0.4743cm^-1, 0.3074cm^-1-0.4743cm^-1 for borehole, well and pond in that order. The study showed a strong correlation between the linear attenuation coefficient and turbidity, total hardness and density which follows a trend for different samples. The highest value of linear attenuation ranges from borehole, well, pond in that order. This study was able to get a value of linear attenuation coefficient for safe water which ranges from 0.40203cm^-1-0.02414cm^-1 which can be used to ascertain the quality of water.