Abstract
Khetri Copper Belt, Rajasthan, is anthropogenically active and geologically belongs to the Delhi super-group. A study was designed to understand the geochemical processes controlling the elemental mobility in the groundwater. Sampling sites were divided into three zones, i.e. copper, quartzite and granite mine zones depending on the type of mineral excavated. A total of 32 representative groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metals and radionuclide (U) using ICP-MS. A maximum U concentration (average 87 µgL-1) is observed in the quartzite mine zone, and minimum (average 13 µgL-1) is found in the copper mine zone samples. A high concentration of U (maximum of 430 µgL-1) in groundwater is attributed to mineral dissolution due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Despite the presence of Jaspura and Gothra granitoid in the copper mine zone, the abundance of U is low suggesting the scavenging of U by sulphides or iron oxides. Additionally, at the confluence of two geological groups, Fe concentration is found high with a low concentration of U which further confirms scavenging of U. It is evident from the results that in the absence of iron-bearing sulphides, U concentration in groundwater would be very high compared to the current concentration. It also indicates low concentration of U in the copper mine zone is due to dissolution of Fe sulphide-rich waste. The present study recommends further research to understand the feasibility of mining waste for the removal of U contamination from groundwater.
Highlights
Uranium (U) is a carcinogenic radionuclide and excessive consumption poses a potential health risk to humans (Blantz et al 1985)
The most important route of U entry is through drinking water
The sampling locations were categorized into 3 zones i.e. copper mine zone (CMZ), quartzite mine zone (QMZ) and granite mine zone (GMZ) depending on the type of mine
Summary
Uranium (U) is a carcinogenic radionuclide and excessive consumption poses a potential health risk to humans (Blantz et al 1985). U accumulates in organs and tissues of the human body and causes various health hazards (Russell and Kathren 2004; Wei et al 2019). It leads to chronic disorders of the liver, kidney and bones (Craft et al 2004; Brugge and Buchner 2011; Katz 2014). The most important route of U entry is through drinking water. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 30 μg L-1 as a permissible limit for drinking water (WHO 2011). Exceeding this permissible limit could cause chronic health impacts on human beings.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
