Age-dependent dose assessment of uranium exposure in groundwater of Ganderbal and Budgam districts in Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Using an LED fluorimeter Quantalase LF-2a, the uranium concentration of the groundwater in the Ganderbal and Budgam districts of Jammu and Kashmir was assessed at 30 distinct places. It has been determined that the uranium concentrations in the districts of Ganderbal and Budgam vary from 0.17 to 1.36 μgl-1 and 0.04 to 1.71 μgl-1, respectively, with average values of 0.32 and 1.71 μg-1. It is observed that newborns are more radiation-sensitive than adults. The epidermis, thyroid gland, red bone marrow, and bones receive the maximum radiation doses. As a result, these organs are more vulnerable to uranium’s radioactive effects. In the current investigation, every sample has been found to fall within the 30 μgl-1 allowable limits established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).