Correlation study of radon concentration, physiochemical parameters and heavy metals in groundwater from Lagos State University Housing Estates, Nigeria

The most vital component of the environment is water and its quality cannot be overemphasized. This study represents the assessment of radon concentration, physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in groundwater in Lagos State University Housing Estates (LASU). The data of groundwater samples were collected from the three housing estates. Water samples were collected at Lagos State University Housing Estates for radon measurement, physicochemical and heavy metal analysis. Dissolved Radon 222Rn in a sampled groundwater was measured using a fast electronic Radon detector RAD 7. In addition, other physiochemical properties and heavy metal analysis were both carried out following standard laboratory procedures. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) between the radon concentration of the three study locations which ranges between 0.20 ± 0.12 and 0.41 ± 0.12 Bql-1. On the other hand, Radon has a weak and negative relationship with p H, Conductivity, TDS, Temperature, Manganese, Chromium and Chromate, while it has a positive relationship with Turbidity in borehole water samples from Ojo residential community. Similarly, Radon has a strong correlation with heavy metals but no relationship with physicochemical parameters in water samples collected from Iba residential community. In addition, the Radon obtained from borehole water from Badagry has a negative correlation with conductivity, TDS, turbidity, chromium and chromate while it has a positive relationship with Temperature, pH and moderate correlation with Manganese. It is therefore safe to say, the water in the study areas is safe for domestics’ purposes.