Evaluation of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards in water sample of Tounsa Sharif, South Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Radioactive material, especially Uranium, is very dangerous for human beings, creatures, and plants. It has been documented that the groundwater of the Dera Ghazi Khan Division in Punjab is contaminated with 238U. In this communication, the groundwater of the Tehsil Taunsa located at Indus River has been investigated. 144 samples of drinking water were collected from 48 villages/towns located in the area of about 500 km2 of the city. The samples were collected in the month of June, August and November, to concentrate on the temperature impact over the Uranium concentration. All samples were analyzed for 238U concentration using a fluorometric technique. The fluorometric technique was applied after pre-treatment of the sample. The analysis of the result revealed that groundwater obtained from this region contains a high value of 238U contents. Among the 48 trials, 26 samples were found below the permissible limit, while the remaining samples contained 238U contents above the permissible level. The sample collected from areas like, Qarim Wala, Jhoke Jamki, Basti peer, Tibi Qaisrani, Pehar Adda & Malana contained even up to the alarming level (30 μg l−1 to 54 μg l−1). In addition, it was observed that the sampling period had a significant effect on the contents, which were most prominent in June. This area being almost annually flooded by water from Rodh Kohi, who originated from Koh-e-Suleiman, may lead to such a high concentration of 238U. The additional reason could be the topographical and geological structure of the earth from which the samples were collected.