Radionuclide Actions, Processes and Presence in Water and Sediments, a Review

Abstract: This study was carried out to review the actions of radionuclides, their formation processes and presence in water and sediments. Although since its discovery it has been found to play some negative role on man's health and destruction the solid part of the earth where man depends for his survival through agriculture. Hence this study focused on reviewing the works of other writers as to ascertain the role, sources, presences and action as well as the processes of radionuclide formation. The review showed that radionuclides are the sources of radioactivity and emit nuclear radiation which has become a part of our daily lives. The most common forms of ionizing radiation (released energy) are alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays. The properties of radiations have wide applications in areas such as medicine, biology, industry, agriculture, and electric power generation. There are numerous health hazard associated with radiation exposure due to an overdose of it. The study also discovered that its sources occur from both natural and manmade and that different methods are applied in determining the presence of radionuclide and that some equipments have also been developed over the years that are used for detecting radionuclide. The study concluded that having understood that radionuclides occur through anthropogenic activities and noting its health effects, there is need to guide activities that bring about its existence and set in policies that could reduce actions that ignite its natural occurring process. Keywords: Radionuclides, Actions, Processes, Presence, Sediments, Water © International Journal of Ground Sediment & Water, ©Sun Jichao. The website is http://ijgsw.comze.com