Presence of uranium in groundwater of Punjab: An overview

Abstract

Uranium is the heaviest naturally occurring element found at an average concentration of 0 0004% in the earth's crust and in low levels within all rock, soil and water. Natural uranium is a mixture of three isotopes, 238U, 235U and 234U and all three behave the same chemically, but they have different radioactive properties. The predominant forms of uranium are 234U and 238U which occurs naturally in groundwater and surface water. Its content in groundwater varies markedly depending upon geological terrain, climate, proximity of uranium deposits, as well as composition of the water. Uranium contamination of groundwater comes from the aquifer from which the water is pumped. The study area have a particular importance because of its elevated levels of uranium detected in the groundwater which may be attributed to the radioactive rich granitic rock formations of Tusham Hills (Bhiwani) of the neighboring state Haryana and from Shivalik Himalayas, parts of which are known for uranium mineralization and also through human activities like phosphate fertilizing. Being a radioactive mineral, high uranium concentration can cause impact on water, soil and health. The maximum contaminant level for uranium, recommended by the World Health Organization is 30μg/L and this limit is found to be exceeded in the drinking water of various regions of Punjab. This work reviews and interprets the prevailing scenario in Punjab region, focusing on uranium as an important environment contaminant.