Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Research Articles

The spectrum of the atomic energy regulatory board under the department of atomic energy with respect to a medical radiation facility

Increasing medical radiation facility strongly demands to have a dedicated, competent regulatory body for guiding and managing radiation safety, quality, and standardization of rules and regulations to safeguard the human population nature from adverse effects of radiation. In India, we have the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board for managing the medical radiation facility for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and also to save them from radiation hazards under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has launched the e-Licensing of Radiation Application (eLORA), which is an application built on the web-based that establishes a channel of direct communication between the AERB and its stakeholders for information and communication exchanges in terms of providing regulatory services with higher levels of effectiveness, reliability, and transparency. They also provide various radiation awareness programs, advertisements, and radiation safety guidelines for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. DAE has a very wide spectrum in which the AERB plays a vital role in establishing regulatory processes, activities of radiation facilities such as radiodiagnosis, radiotherapy, and nuclear medicine in medical also create and publish regulatory safety documentation for utilities and consumers along with acts and regulation. Basically, AERB provides the common platform for all the radiation practicing medical institutions through eLORA, which help to streamline the radiation practice toward the betterment of humankind.

Awareness of radiation protection among dental practitioners in UP and NCR region, India: A questionnaire-based study

Background: Biological effects of radiation include deterministic and stochastic effects. Dental colleges still follow radiation protection principles due to guidelines laid by the Dental Council of India and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, but private practitioners sometimes are negligent about the significance of radiation protection. The study focuses on the awareness of radiation protection among dental practitioners based on their knowledge, attitude, and application. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objectives of this study were to evaluate the level of awareness and attitude about radiation protection among dental practitioners in Uttar Pradesh and the NCR region, India. Materials and Methods: The survey was performed on dental practitioners from UP and NCR region, India. The survey comprised two sections: one section on basic information of the dentists and their working place, consisting of two questions. The second section consisted of 21 questions regarding patient and personnel protection methods and knowledge about radiation exposure. The questionnaire was disseminated through Google Forms. Results: Among 200 dentists, 84% use Radio visual graph (RVG) in their clinics. Ninety percent of the specialists attended the basic lecture on radiation exposure, nearly 50% of the dentists use digital receptors in pediatric patients, 86% of the specialists use their hands when adjusting the X-ray tube, 98.4% of the dentists know the related complications of radiation, 46.8% of the specialists explain the radiation measures to the patients, 76.2% of the dentists use lead barriers in their clinics, and 76.2% of the clinicians often get their X-ray machines serviced yearly. Conclusion: The current study shows the utmost need for further implementation of radiation protection. The majority of dentists are negligent in practicing radiation protection procedures properly. Emphasis on radiation safety and mandatory professional education is needed.

Statistical analysis of extreme value of meteorological elements observed for the last 31 years (1989–2019) at Narora site

Understanding of extreme weather conditions at the site of interest is essentially required in the design of engineering structures so that the structures can withstand weather stresses. This paper presents an analysis of extreme values of meteorological elements observed at Narora site for the last three decades (1989–2019). The elements considered are extreme air temperature (°C), minimum relative humidity (%), extreme wind gust (km/h), maximum rainfall (mm) in a day and a month, and annual rainfall. The extreme value analysis reveals that the maximum air temperature, maximum wind gust at 30 m, maximum monthly rainfall, and maximum annual rainfall obey Fisher-Tippett Type-1/Gumbel extreme value distribution, whereas minimum air temperature, minimum relative humidity (%), annual daily maximum rainfall (mm), and annual minimum rainfall (mm) obey Fisher-Tippett Type-2/Frechet extreme value distribution function. Distribution function parameters, i.e., location, scale, and shape parameter for each variable, have been determined. Extreme values corresponding to return periods of 50, 100, and 1000 years are worked out using best fit linear regression curve as a compliance of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board Safety Guide Recommendations. The derived extreme values are particularly useful to designer for arriving at suitable design basis values of different elements to ensure the safety of the reactors and other civil structures in Narora region, with respect to stresses due to weather conditions. Extreme values corresponding to return periods of 50 and 100 years at Narora are compared with corresponding values at other three nuclear reactor sites in India, namely, Tarapur, Kalpakkam, and Trombay. In addition, the time series pattern analysis of rainfall for 31 years at the Narora site closely following the 2-year moving average rainfall data pattern. These results can be used for water harvesting, irrigation, and floods management plans in the future.

Revision of discharge limit of gross beta activity to the aquatic environment based on public dose estimation

Low-level liquid effluents generated from Regional Centre, Board of Radiation, and Isotope Technology (BRIT), Delhi, are generally discharged to the aquatic environment after suitable treatment (delay, decay, and dilution for short-lived radionuclides) conforming the regulatory compliance as authorized by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Mumbai. The Regional Center, BRIT-Delhi is generating the liquid effluents containing short-lived radionuclides 99Mo (T1/2−66.7 h) and 99mTc (T1/2−6.02 h) and also long-lived radionuclide 99Tc (T1/2−2.13 × 105 years) from the production of ready to use 99mTc-radiopharmaceuticals as human injectable product. This liquid waste generated during the washing of radioactive contaminated glassware is inorganic in nature and is stored in 02 number of sump tanks (capacity 50 m3 each) for delay and decay of short-lived radionuclides. The center has also planned to produce and supply 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals in future. There is a possibility that some of these radionuclides may reach the drinking water by various natural pathways. The presence of radionuclides in the drinking water above certain level may result in radiation dose to the public through the ingestion pathways. The observance of prescribed radionuclide concentration in waste water, total activity limits, and other basic safety requirements stipulated by the regulatory body help to minimize the public radiation dose. This article is an effort to derive the annual discharge limit for gross β activity at Regional Center, BRIT-Delhi to the aquatic environment of an inland site based on the drinking water standard limits prescribed by the World Health Organization. This article also discusses the effective dose received by the actual discharge of radioactive liquid effluent from the Regional Center, BRIT-Delhi.

Risk assessment of uranium in drinking water in Hisar district of Haryana, India

Abstract The present study highlights uranium concentrations, associated health risks and physico-chemical properties of groundwater samples collected from the Hisar district of Haryana State, India. We found that uranium concentrations in 21 out of 68 (30.9%) samples exceeded the WHO provisional guideline value of 30 μg L−1. The annual effective doses were estimated for different life stage groups. The highest dose was calculated for infants. From a radiological perspective, the mean cancer mortality risk and cancer morbidity risk were found to be 4.7 × 10−5 and 7.3 × 10−5, respectively, which are lower than the permissible limit of 1.67 × 10−4 as prescribed by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India. The lifetime average daily dose (LADD) of uranium ranged from 0.03 to 7.83 μg kg−1 day−1. Approximately 23.5% of the samples showed significant chemical toxicity risk. A positive correlation between uranium and total dissolved solids (TDS) was observed.

Anomalous Concentration of Uranium in Groundwater in Parts of Salem District, Central Tamil Nadu, India

Anomalous concentration of Uranium in groundwater has been identified around Virakkal, Veerapanpalayam, Pakkanadu, Erithottam, Kammampatti, Kumarappalyam, Idappadiand Moolakkadu areas in parts of Salem district, Tamil Nadu. In this study, an area of 970 sq. km from Mettur in the north to Kumarapalayam in the south parallel to the Koratti shear zone has been examined for uranium content in groundwater. Systematic sampling of groundwater (n=78) from bore well, open well and hand pump have been collected. The samples were analysed for uranium concentration using LED Fluorimeter. Analysis resulted higher concentration of uranium along the southern extension of Koratti Shear Zone where the emplacement of younger granites, syenite and carbonatites has been reported. These lithounits might have played a vital role in the contribution of uranium to the groundwater. Based on the result, two areas have been identified such as North Block and South Block for detailed investigation.58 systematic samples from North block and 52 samples from South block have been collected and analysed. Uranium values assayed in these areas are many times higher than the prescribed limit of World Health organisation and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of 30ppb and 60ppb respectively. In northern block, among 58 samples 18 samples were assayed higher than 30ppb in which the samples from Veerappanpalayam assayed upto 545.81 ppb. Apart from Veerappanpalayam, many areas such as Mosakumarapalayam (273.90), Arasiramani (250.49ppb), Vellarivalli (131.32ppb), Kodarapalayam (106.52ppb), Savuthanur (174.79ppb), Veerapanpalayam-2 (373.43ppb) and Kotamppalayam (100ppb) were assayed more than 100ppb. Similarly, in the southern block, 52 samples were assayed in which 15 samples were higher than the prescribed limit in which Kuppampatti analyzed 402.29ppb, Virakkal and Thannikuttampatti assayed more than 100ppb. Among the total samples (n=188), 28% of samples were falling under non-potable category. The Present study has spatially brought to light significant areas where groundwater enriched by uranium concentration. It is also provided indirect evidences for uranium exploration in the study area.

Occurrence of Uranium in Groundwater of Kabirdham, Central India

The groundwater quality with respect to uranium and its seasonal variation in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, India was assessed. The uranium content of the collected water samples of the study area varied from <0.5 to 90 µg/L in winter and from <0.5 to 85.2 µg/L in summer. Only one sample was beyond the safe limit of 60 µg/L of uranium in drinking water, prescribed by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). The occurrence of uranium in groundwater is greatly influenced by total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, and calcium, sulphate, and nitrate content of groundwater.

Seasonal and geochemical variation of uranium and major ions in groundwater at Kanker district of Chhattisgarh, central India

The evaluation of groundwater quality is an imperative part of water security and plays a significant role in ensuring its sustainable development. The present paper reveals the quality of groundwater of Kanker district situated in Chhattisgarh state, India. Groundwater samples from different regions were collected to observe the seasonal variation in uranium concentration. The spatial distribution of major parameters and hydrochemical facies was described by Geographic Information System based maps, correlation coefficient, box plot, and piper diagrams. The uranium concentration ranges from 0.5 to 69.9 μg/L and 0.5–87.9 μg/L with the mean value of 4.8 μg/L and 6.8 μg/L in winter and summer season respectively. The uranium concentrations for the samples taken from one area in winter and two areas in summer have been found to be slightly higher than the permissible limit of 60 μg/L recommended by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The seasonal variation of uranium in groundwater depends upon the rainfall recharge and precipitation conditions of the geological formation and the environment. In certain regions; it is observed that the total hardness, calcium, magnesium and total alkalinity (bicarbonate) were found higher than the acceptable limit prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. Mixed type behaviors of tested samples were showed by the piper diagrams. Uranium exhibits a strong correlation with magnesium (r > 0.7) in both the seasons.

Installation, commissioning, and performance evaluation of Bhabhatron-II TAW – An Indian-made telecobalt unit

Aim: The aim of this study was to report commissioning and performance evaluation of Bhabhatron-II TAW (an Indian made machine). Materials and Methods: Commissioning comprises of following quality assurance (QA) (a) electrical QA, (b) mechanical QA, (c) radiation QA and (d) survey of installation. Electrical QA were done for various components of the unit for its functionality. Mechanical QA were done and the measured data were verified as per guidelines of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India and vendor's specified values. Cylindrical ionization chamber, electrometer, ready pack films, water phantom, thermometer and barometer were used during radiation QA and survey of installation procedures. Moreover, the data so generated were fed to treatment planning system (TPS) for dose calculation and also kept in proper tabular manner for clinical use. Results: Couch and collimator parameters were found to comply the tolerance criteria. Source strength of 172.2 roentgen per minute at 1 meter (RMM) was measured with an absolute dose rate of 225.76 cGy/min at dmax for 10cm x 10cm field size at normal treatment distance (NTD). Shutter timer error of 0.004 min was measured and incorporated in the clinical data. A maximum of 3.66 % variation was noted for 300 (15W × 20) physical wedge transmission factor between measured and vendor specified value. Radiation leakage through beam limiting device (BLD) and outside BLD were found to be within the limits prescribed by AERB. Conclusion: Commissioning is a prerequisite process after installation of a radiation therapy machine for medical purpose. Bhabhatron-II machine has several advantages over other telecobalt machine. Features like high source storage capacity of machine head, one pair of asymmetric jaw, closure of jaws to 0 cm x 0 cm during radiation emergency and presence of one motorized wedge filter makes it unique and yet cost effective telecobalt machine..

Nuclear Energy Safety, Regulatory Independence, and Judicial Deference: The Case of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India

Research examining regulatory independence has either suggested de jure independence to be a predictor of de facto independence or suggested that the presence of de jure may not always indicate de facto independence. We study the Indian Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to emphasize how AERB has enjoyed de facto independence, even in the absence of de jure independence. Using “judicial deference” principle, and through a mapping of substantive court cases, the article demonstrates Indian judiciary has consistently applied deference to AERB’s decision-making process, thereby showing confidence in the nuclear regulatory regime sustained as its inception.

Evaluation of radiation doses at diagnostic X-ray control panels and outside patient entrance doors in Aizawl district, India.

The purpose of this research was to measure the radiation level and estimate the dosage at the control panel (CP) and outside the patient entrance door (PED) of diagnostic X-ray installations. This is important for ensuring the safety of workers and the public, particularly in the study area, where there is no proper radiation monitoring service. A water phantom, 10-L fresh water in a plastic container, was used as the source of scattered radiation. Using an ion-chamber survey meter, the stray radiation rate was measured at the CP and outside the PED for both chest and couch missions. The CPs were fully covered by a protective barrier, providing a negligible exposure rate (i.e., 0.07-4.2mR/h for chest and 0.21-3.8mR/h for couch). By contrast, installations that did not properly cover the CP showed relatively high exposures (from 18 to 205mR/h for chest and 2.4-270mR/h for couch). The radiation rates outside the PED in installations having lead-lined doors were negligibly low; whereas, in installations having no lead-lining, exposure rates reached as high as 95 and 110mR/h for chest and couch missions, respectively. The occupational doses were well below the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board dose limit (i.e., 40mR/week). However, excessive doses were observed in public spaces outside the PED, compared with the dose limit for the public (i.e., 2mR/week).

Radiographic simulation and validation studies on weld joints of annular tanks and cylindrical tanks

The application of the radiographic simulation studies on the weld joints in nuclear fuel reprocessing tanks used for optimization of radiographic testing parameters. In the nuclear reprocessing plant, Annular and cylindrical tanks are used to store the reprocessed solution of the spent fuel pins from the reactor. These annular and cylindrical tanks were installed 15 years ago. AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) has requested for requalification of these tanks before commissioning. As part of the requalification of tanks, the volumetric NDE techniques were proposed to be used for evaluation of the weld joints in the tanks. Before carrying out the radiographic examination on the actual tanks, computer simulation of radiography was studied on standard weld pad. Radiographic simulation is utilized for various purposes in NDT. This radiographic diagnostic model utilized for study about incorporates a description of the radiation source, the interaction of radiation with test pieces and defects, and the detection process. The modeling results were validated with radiographic inspection carried out with weld pad sample of 6mm thickness. The error percentage in the optical density achieved between simulation and experiment radiographic inspection was ± 5%. Hence the optimization parameters using simulation for the weld pad helps to reduce the number of exposures, inspection time and increase defect detectability of the inspection.

Uranium in ground water of Rajnandgaon District of Central India

The present study highlights uranium levels, associated health effects, and physicochemical properties of ground water samples collected from Rajnandgaon District of Chhattisgarh State, Central India. Uranium concentrations of ground water samples are found to exceed than 30 µg/L (United States Environmental Protection Agency and World Health Organisation recommended limit) at two villages in summer and at one village in winter while it is found higher than 60 µg/L (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Department of Atomic Energy, India recommended limit) at only one village in summer. Correlation analysis between uranium and physicochemical parameters suggest that Ca2+ ion and total alkalinity play an important role in uranium contamination of ground water.

Drafting of comprehensive harmonized regulatory guideline for storage and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals

Recent era has witnessed an inordinate rise in the demand for radiopharmaceuticals due to their multifarious biomedical and clinical application. Scientific fraternity worldwide is continuously working in developing different innovative radiopharmaceuticals of immense clinical importance both from specialized theranostics and personalized medicine point of view. However, this increased production and use of radiopharmaceuticals in various nuclear medicine procedures have been accompanied by an inevitable problem concerning their storage after use and final disposal. Keeping in view the inherently hazardous nature of radiopharmaceuticals due to the presence of radionuclide in them, it is imperative to have an adequate regulatory backup which if followed meticulously can assure their safe storage and disposal so that threat to men and environment is prevented. The present work has been aimed to draft comprehensive regulatory guidelines for the storage and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals which is in resonance with the global standards. For this, the methodology consisting of a thorough research of existing guidelines from Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) exclusively on storage and disposal of radiopharmaceuticals in India has been done with the objective to identify and select various parameters not yet explicitly covered as is their scope. The guideline has been made to suitably address all sorts of necessary documentation, allocation of responsibility, ways of waste prevention, various mechanisms to deal with radiopharmaceuticals waste in all forms of matter and suggestive recommendations.&#x0D; Keywords: Radiopharmaceuticals, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Regulatory guidelines of radiopharmaceuticals

Uranium distribution in groundwater and assessment of age dependent radiation dose in Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts of Punjab, India

A comprehensive study of seasonal variation of uranium distribution in groundwater of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts of Punjab, India and assessment of associated radiological risks, chemical risks and effective radiation dose for different age groups, was conducted to determine its health impact on humans residing in these regions. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, total hardness and contents of various anions such as carbonates/bicarbonates, chlorides, fluorides, nitrates, sulphates and phosphates in groundwater were also analysed to determine correlation between groundwater chemistry and uranium distribution. The average values of uranium concentration in ground water samples of Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts were found to be 8.6 μg L−1, 4.3 μg L−1 and 3.0 μg L−1, respectively, in pre-monsoon and 8.8 μg L−1, 4.9 μg L−1 and 3.4 μg L−1, respectively, in post-monsoon. The uranium concentration in majority of the ground water samples was found to be below the permissible limit of 30 μg L−1 recommended by World Health Organization (WHO, 2011). In all three districts, TDS, EC and bicarbonates were found to have positive correlation with observed uranium contents in both seasons. The annual effective dose due to ingestion of uranium through drinking water was found to be less than the prescribed limit of 100 μSv y−1 given by WHO (2004). Radiological and chemical toxicity risk assessment of uranium in groundwater was also carried out and found to be within the permissible values of 1.67 × 10−4 and 4.53 μg kg−1 day−1 respectively, recommended by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB, 2004).

Disparity Between Metro-Centric Cancer Care and Rural Outreach in India: Situational Analysis and Future Trends in Context of Developing Countries

Background: Radiation therapy is used in two-third of all patients diagnosed with cancer in any form and it has become an integral part of modern treatment strategies for many types of cancers in recent decade. Semi-urban and rural places in India lack healthcare facilities and so as the cancer care facilities. Aim: To identify the propensity of a metro-centric oncologic care in developing countries undermining the need of availability of facilities in smaller towns and cities. Methods: Data for state-wise population for 2016 and 2026 was projected using cohort component method. For the projection of cancer incidence and prevalence in 2016 and 2026, we assumed that the state-level prevalence and incidence of cancer in the year 2015 will not change over time in 2016. Data collected through telephonic interviews from the radiotherapy centers listed by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), India. Further, we assumed few scenarios of cancer incidence and prevalence increase and projected state wise cancer burden in 2026. Results: With almost 70% population of India residing in districts and cities lacking quality health care, the situation of cancer care is much grave. India is currently equipped with only 394 RTU (Radiation Therapy Unit) against requirement of almost 1300 RTU, amounting to 0.38 RTU per million populations as per World Health Organization. The public sponsored healthcare infrastructure for cancer treatment, and research is centralized with all the resources centered in metro/major cities. Eight metro cities of India with a combined population of 140.6 million hold control of 188 RTU under their boundaries. Thus, while habitants of these eight metro cities, constituting only 10.9% of the national population, avail treatment benefit from 38% of total RTU capacity of India, rest of Indian population at 1143.8 million strengths is left prey to the wrath of cancer with just 306 machines at disposal. In comparison, the developed nations as the United States of America, Australia, and the United Kingdom fare far better in RTU availability for treatment of diagnosed cancer patients, with RTU per million population density of 12.45, 10.12 and 5.04 respectively. Similar scenario has been seen in other LMICs in world like Congo, Mongolia, Sudan, Nigeria, Nepal etc. Conclusion: We observed that wide disparity exists in India concerning RTU and cancer facility availability and density per million populations in between metro cities and rest of India and a dire need of improvement to fight against cancer which is very similar to the situation in developing countries.

Radiation fortification: a clinical scenario in India

X rays form the ionizing type of radiation which is used widely in medical and dental practices for detection of disease and other abnormalities as well as to observe disease progression Radiation is a double edged sword with therapeutic and detrimental effects Dose reduction can be achieved by good decision making optimizing radiologic procedures and limitation of dose Atomic Energy Regulatory Board AERB is the Indian regulatory board for protection against radiation

Radiation Dose to the Occupational Worker during the Synthesis of 188Re-labeled Radiopharmaceuticals in the Nuclear Medicine Department.

Aim:The aim of this study is to estimate whole-body radiation dose to the radiopharmacist involved in labeling of three different 188Re-labeled compounds, namely, 188Re-Lipiodol, 188Re-tin colloid, and 188Re-hydroxyl-ethylidene-diphosphonate (HEDP) and to compare the occupational burden with the dose limits recommended by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, India.Materials and Methods:The Department of Nuclear Medicine at Fortis Memorial Research Institute currently synthesizes three different Rhenium-188 labeled compounds, namely, 188Re-Lipiodol, 188Re-HEDP, and 188Re-tin colloid. To estimate the radiation exposure to the radiopharmacist involved in the synthesis, a survey meter was used to measure radiation level before the start of labeling procedure in the radiopharmacy by keeping it at the location where the radiopharmacist normally stands during preparation. Data were collected for 6 syntheses of each 188Re-Lipiodol, 4 for 188Re-HEDP, and 3 for 188Re-tin colloid followed by the quality control. The pocket dosimeter was used by the radiopharmacistat chest level, performing the labeling of 188Re-labeled compounds. All radiopharmaceuticals were synthesized by a single radiopharmacist.Results:1850 MBq (50 mCi) 188W-188Re generator was eluted before the preparation of each radiopharmaceutical. The amount of 188ReO4- used for labeling with lipiodol/4-hexadecyl-1,2,9,9-tetramethyl-4,7-diaza-1,10-decanethiol, HEDP, and Tin colloid was in the range of 3182–4440 MBq (86–120 mCi), 2812–3774 MBq (76–102 mCi), and 962–1295 MBq (26–35 mCi), respectively. Meantime required to complete the synthesis was 95, 40, and 131.5 min, respectively. Mean whole-body effective dose received was 0.052, 0.009, and 0.004 mSv, respectively, as measured by using the pocket dosimeter.Conclusion:From this small study, we observed that the whole-body radiation dose to the radiopharmacist in radiolabeling and quality control of 188Re-labeled radiopharmaceuticals is within prescribed limits at the current synthesis frequency.

Nuclear Medicine in India: A Historical Journey.

Evidence-based historical accounts of critical events, which shaped nuclear medicine in India today, are presented in this article. There was parallel activity happening in the northern and western region of India in the early 60s. Radiation Medicine Center (RMC) at Mumbai inaugurated in September 1963 by Dr. Bhabha; and Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Delhi dedicated to the nation in February 1964. The isotope division of Bhabha Atomic Research Center endured as the backbone in the supply of indigenously produced medical radioisotopes in research reactors APSARA (1958) and CIRUS (1960). Design and dispatch of economical generators (loaded with low specific activity 99Mo) with indigenously designed solvent extraction (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) technique had led to rapid growth of nuclear medicine facilities in the country. As per recently released list (July 2018) of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, there are 293 nuclear medicine departments in the country. Of which 14% are in the government sector, and the remaining 86% are under private ownership. There are currently 233 functioning gamma cameras (Single-photon emission computed tomography [SPECT]/SPECT–computed tomography [CT]) units in India since 1969 when the first gamma camera was commissioned at RMC. The first medical cyclotron (2002) and first positron emission tomography (PET) (2002) and first PET-CT (2004) in Mumbai had triggered revolution of molecular imaging in India. There are 222 PET-CT, 3 PET-magnetic resonance imaging scanners, and 19 cyclotrons operating currently. India has witnessed relatively slower headways in terms of high dose radionuclide therapy facilities. After first indoor facility at RMC in 1964, only 92 radionuclide therapy (isolation) wards have come up with no more than 200 beds for the entire country in the last 54 years. India started Delhi university approved structured postgraduate diploma in nuclear medicine in 1963 at the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), first of its kind course in the world at that time. RMC started Mumbai University recognized diploma courses for physicians (Diploma in Radiation Medicine) and technologists (Diploma in Medical Radioisotope Techniques) in 1973. National Board of Examination (Government of India) recognized nuclear medicine as a broad specialty in 1982 and accredited RMC for training for Diplomate of National Board. Doctor of Medicine (MD) started first time in India and Asia at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute, Lucknow in 1990. Doctorate of Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine commenced at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi in 2015. There are 18 teaching hospitals currently imparting MD/DNB nuclear medicine residency for physicians with annual intake of 50. Eighteen institutions are offering bachelors and masters programs for nuclear medicine technology with an average annual intake of 110–120 students. Society of Nuclear Medicine, India (SNMI) is the oldest and largest professional body with total life membership of 1425 nuclear medicine professionals. SNMI was established in 1967 and hosted the first Annual Conference at RMC, Mumbai in 1968. Since then, SNMI is organizing its Annual Conferences in various parts of the country with the objective of scientific exchange and popularizing the modality amongst clinicians. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education Research is hosting the 50th Annual Conference of SNMI (SNMICON-18) as mark of golden jubilee celebration.

Assessment of uranium in ground water from Durg District of Chhattisgarh state and its correlation with other quality parameters

The contamination of uranium in the ground water samples gathered from different source of Durg District (Chhattisgarh) have been analysed by using LED Fluorimeter. It was observed that uranium concentration ranges from 0.638 µg/l to 45.7 µg/l and 100% of the samples found under the safe limit of 60 μg/l prescribed by the India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Department of Atomic Energy, 2004. In present work, an attempt has been made to inspect uranium concentration in the samples and its correlation with the physico-chemical properties of water. A positive correlation of uranium with TDS, conductance, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, hardness, calcium, magnesium and alkalinity was found with various water quality parameters.