Uranium Concentration In Water Samples Research Articles

Spatial Distribution of Water Quality Parameters in a Mineralized Region of Rajasthan

Water quality parameters, anionic concentrations and uranium levels were measured in groundwater samples collected from Rohil, Sikar District, Rajasthan as a part of radiological baseline survey. This region hosts disseminated uranium deposits. The uranium concentration in water samples showed a mean value of 107 ± 141 μg/L and more than 40% samples crossed the AERB limit. The mean conductivity and TDS of samples were 2221 ± 1513 μS/cm and 1583 ± 1085 ppm, respectively. The mean value of fluoride, chloride, nitrate and sulphate were 2.4 ± 1.4 ppm, 414 ± 466 ppm, 33.70 ± 37.2 ppm and 140 ±133 ppm, respectively. Measured parameters in many samples were above the respective limits set by BIS, AERB and WHO. No particular trend was observed for any of the parameters with increasing distance from the proposed site and no correlation was evident in the measured parameters.

Mapping of uranium concentrations in groundwater samples of Davanagere district, Karnataka, India, and assessment of effective dose to the population.

The geomorphology, geohydrology, lithology and ecological features of the area influence the uranium content in groundwater. The groundwater samples were collected from 75 locations of Davanagere district, Karnataka, India. Uranium analysis in the water samples was done using LED fluorimeter, based on fluorescence of dissolved uranyl salts. The uranium concentration in water samples varied from 18.41 to 173.21μgL-1 with a geometric mean of 39.69μgL-1. Higher uranium concentration in groundwater was observed in Harapanahalli and Jagalur taluk of Davanagere district, which falls in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, which is generally known to contain more radioactive minerals than the Western Dharwar Craton. The effective ingestion dose and lifetime cancer risk to the population were calculated using the obtained uranium concentration in drinking water.

Evaluation of uranium and other toxic heavy metals in drinking water of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India for possible health hazards

Uranium and other heavy metals are found in the natural water and may enter the human body when ingested by drinking water. Uranium being radioactive may provide radiological risks, whereas chemical toxicity of uranium and other heavy metals may pose a serious threat to human life. The current research has been undertaken for trace level analysis of uranium and other heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, As, Co, Ag, Cd and Pb) in drinking water samples collected from different locations and sources of water from Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Uranium concentration has been assessed using LED fluorimeter, whereas the concentration of other heavy metals has been estimated utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Uranium concentration in water samples have been found to vary from 0.50 to 90.46 µg L−1 with mean value of 6.51 µg L−1. About 96% samples have uranium concentration lower than the suggested safe limits of 30 µg L−1 by (WHO, Guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2017). The cancer mortality and morbidity risks have also been estimated using the uranium concentration in drinking water samples. The annual ingestion dose (AID) susceptible to distinct age groups due to ingestion of these waters has also been computed and is found above the prescribed dose of 100 μSv y−1 (International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, (1999) Protection of the public in situations of prolonged radiation exposure. Ann ICRP 29(1–2). ICRP Publication 82) in the water sample of Behra for adolescents and adult males as well as for pregnant and lactating females. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD), Hazards Quotient (HQ) and Heavy Metals Pollution Index (HPI) due to the presence of heavy metals in drinking water samples have also been calculated. LADD for uranium, As and Fe have been found above the recommended limits in the drinking water samples of some villages. Average HQ of the study area has been observed below 1 indicate that the water is good for drinking purpose. HPI has also been found below the analytical pollution index of 100 indicate that the water of the area is not polluted.

A systematic study of uranium retention in human organs and quantification of radiological and chemical doses from uranium ingestion

The Industrial revolution introduced umpteen radionuclides in the environment and their long-term exposure from ingestion and inhalation is a potential threat to the human race. In numerous developing countries, uranium and other radionuclide concentrations are higher than their recommended limits and cause adverse health effects to inhabitants. The present study depicts the uranium concentration in water samples of Nawanshahr and Rupnagar districts of Punjab (India). The uranium concentration in the studied region ranged from 13.23 μg l−1 to 38.61 μg l−1, and some samples reported to be have higher concentration than their recommended limits. An attempt has been made to quantify the uranium retention in different organs using ICRP’s age-specific biokinetic model with a specific update of urine, faeces, and hairs. The dosimetric models were used to estimate the radiological doses for particular organs and chemical toxicity for overall health risk assessment. Time dependence studies of uranium in distinct organs and tissues claimed that the kidney, liver, non-exchangeable bone volume and soft tissues are the vital target organs for uranium depository.

Distribution of naturally occurring uranium and other heavy toxic elements in selected spring water samples of Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand, India

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the seasonal variation of the uranium (U) concentration level in natural drinking water. Laser fluorimetry technique has been used for the microanalysis of uranium concentration in water samples collected from different natural sources like springs and subterranean springs of various depths. A total of 23 drinking water samples were collected based on their consumption for drinking purposes from the different areas of Pithoragarh district. Seventeen physico- chemical parameters, six heavy metals and uranium were estimated in the samples. The results showed that the average value of TDS was observed 204.65 mg/L during pre- monsoon season and 213.82 mg/L during post- monsoon season, the uranium concentration in drinking water samples varied from 0.10–9.90 µg L−1 in pre-monsoon and 0.10–8.32 µg L−1 in post-monsoon seasons. The study revealed that none of the samples had exceeded the guideline values prescribed for concentration of uranium in drinking water by World Health Organization (30 µg L−1) and sources can be considered safe with respect to the level of uranium concentration.

Quantification of radiological dose and chemical toxicity due to radon and uranium in drinking water in Bageshwar region of Indian Himalaya

The present study had an objective to approximate radon and uranium as naturally occurring radioactive constituents in spring-water samples and assessment of AED (annual effective dose), radiological risks; and chemical toxicity, when spring-water is the source of drinking water. Based on the population density in study area (Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, India), random sampling process was adopted for the collection of water samples from eighty natural springs. The concentration of radon was estimated using Advanced SMART RnDuo while for estimation of uranium, LED fluorimeter was used. The observed values were subjected to statistical analysis to illustrate the spatial distribution of radon and uranium in the study area as well as for determination of associated health risks for inhabitants. The results revealed that radon activity in spring-water samples varies from 3.4 to 101.3 Bq/L with a mean value of 34.4 ± 3.8 Bq/L while the uranium concentration in water samples ranges from 0.1 to 28.4 μg/L with the mean value of 1.6 μg/L. In 35% samples radon concentration has been found more than the permissible limit prescribed by UNSCEAR. The observed values of electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolve solids (TDS) were also found within the recommended limits of WHO. Therefore the relatively higher observed concentration of radon in spring water than the permissible limits of health regulatory agencies may be a matter of concern in radiological prospective as well as for chemical toxicity in infants and children inhibiting the study area.

Measurement of uranium concentration in the water samples collected from the areas surrounding in Al-Tuwaitha nuclear site using the CR-39 detector

In this research, the uranium concentration in (16) water samples collected from some agricultural areas surrounded with AlTuwitha nuclear site in Baghdad-Iraq was measured by using a CR-39 detector. The concentration of uranium in this study was from (0.6 ± 0.33mg/l) to (2.51 ± 0.49 mg/l), and the weighted average for the concentrations (1.262 ± 0.402 mg/l). The results showed it is a concentration of uranium level in water samples studied is higher than the allowed limit recommended by WHO and ICRP.

Radon and uranium concentration in ground water of nineveh plain region in iraq

The track registration technique with a CR-39 detector was used to measure radon concentrations, and uranium contents in ground water samples from the Nineveh plain region wells. Samples were selected from 20 locations for measurements. This research aimed to assess radiological risks from uranium ingestion, and measure annual effective dose AED resulting from the intake of radon in the ingested water. Radon concentrations in these water samples were found to vary from 0.362 to 1.485 BqL−1, which were below the safety recommended limits 4 to 40 BqL−1 based on the Scientific Committee of United Nations on Atomic Radiation Effects. AED was found to vary from 1.32 to 5.42 µSv/y. Uranium activity concentrations ranged from 0.356 to 1.488 BqL−1, and the corresponding uranium concentrations in water samples were found to vary from 28.76 to 120 μgL−1. Uranium concentrations were over the safety recommended limits when, compared with recommended limits of of 30 μgL−1 for drinking water based on the US environmental protection agency. The excess cancer risk varied from 0.398 to 1.666 x10-4 with a mean value of 0.9 x10-4, indicating that 9/100,000 people in these areas haves a cancer risk from the water.

Uranium Levels in Groundwater of North India

Ionizing radiations are continuously exposed to human being. Natural radionuclides are available in different amount in environment. Uranium is found everywhere in water, rocks, soil and building material. Ground water is the main source of drinking water. So it becomes important to review the water quality of north India in view of uranium. Uranium is inhaled through drinking water in human body. In this regard, an extensive data has been compiled and reviewed in this article from North India and compared with safe limits from worldwide data. The majority of the reported articles are about monitoring of uranium concentration in water samples. Most of the reported data have been obtained using Fission track technique, ICPMS, laser fluorimetery and LED fluorimetery.

Assessment of uranium concentration in the drinking water and associated health risks in Eastern Haryana, India

ABSTRACTQuantification of uranium in drinking water has great significance considering its effects on human health. Drinking water samples collected from different sources, viz., hand pumps, tube-wells, and public water supply from Sonipat and Panipat districts of Haryana, India have been analyzed for uranium and other physico-chemical parameters. Uranium concentration in water samples was measured using Pulsed LED Fluorimeter. Uranium concentration in collected water samples ranges from 9.1 to 155.1 µg/L in Sonipat district and 14.9 to 123.3 µg/L in Panipat district. It was inferred from the data that uranium concentration in some water samples was higher than WHO & USEPA recommended limit of 30 µg/L. The mean cancer risk due to uranium in drinking water in Sonipat and Panipat districts was found to be 1.40 × 10−4 and 1.63 × 10−4, respectively, which is lower than the maximum permissible limit (<10−3). Total Dissolve Salts (TDS) in water samples of some villages in Sonipat district was higher than permissible limits for drinking prescribed by WHO & BIS.

Monitoring of uranium concentrations in water samples collected near potentially hazardous objects in North-West Tajikistan

The water contamination near ecologically problematic objects was investigated between 2009 and 2014 in North-West Tajikistan as a part of a joint project between Forschungszentrum Jülich and Khujand State University. The main part of this work was the determination of uranium in water samples collected near the Degmay tailings dump, the Taboshar pit lake and the Syr Darya river. More than 130 water samples were collected and analyzed to monitor the uranium concentration near the investigated areas. Two different mass spectrometers and an ion chromatograph were used for element concentration measurements. Based on the results obtained, the uranium influence of the Degmay tailings on the rivers Khoja-Bakyrgan-Say and Syr Darya and surrounding water was not found. The uranium concentration in water samples was monitored for a lengthy period at seven locations Great differences in the uranium concentration in waters collected in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 for each location were not observed. Drinking water samples from the region of North-West Tajikistan were analyzed and compared with the World Health Organization's guidelines. Seven out of nine drinking water samples near Taboshar exceeded the WHO guideline value for uranium concentrations (30 μg/L). The average uranium concentration of water samples from Syr Darya for the period from 2009 to 2014 was determined to be 20.1 (±5.2) μg/L. The uranium contamination of the Syr Darya was determined from the western border to the eastern border and the results are shown in this paper.

Measurement of uranium and radon concentration in drinking water samples and assessment of ingestion dose to local population in Jalandhar district of Punjab, India

A study was conducted to assess the concentration of uranium and dissolved radon in drinking water samples collected from Jalandhar district of Punjab, India. The samples were analysed for dissolved radon using scintillation cell method. Laser fluorimetry was used for measurement of uranium concentration. Correlation analysis of radon and uranium concentrations and salinity and total dissolved solids with uranium was carried out. The uranium concentration in water samples varied from a minimum value of 1.53 ± 0.06 mg m−3 to 50.2 ± 0.08 mg m−3 with a geometric mean value of 14.85 mg m−3. The radon concentration in water varied from a minimum value of 0.34 ± 0.07 kBq m−3 to a maximum value of 3.84 ± 0.48 kBq m−3 with a geometric mean value of 1.46 kBq m−3. Ingestion dose to local population, due to radon and uranium in drinking water, for different age categories, was computed and results are being reported in this paper.

Investigating Uranium Concentrations in Groundwaters in the State of Idaho Using Kinetic Phosphorescence Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

The determination of uranium concentrations in natural water samples is of great interest due to the environmental consequences of this radionuclide. In this study, 380 groundwater samples from various locations within the state of Idaho were analyzed using two different techniques. The first method was Kinetic Phosphorescence Analysis (KPA), which gives the total uranium concentrations in water samples. The second analysis method was inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP- MS). This method determines the total uranium concentration as well as the separate isotope concentrations of uranium. The U/U isotopic ratio was also measured for each sample to confirm that there was no depleted or enriched uranium present. The results were compared and mapped separately from each other. The study also found that in some areas of the state, natural uranium concentrations are relatively high.

Ground water contamination with 238U, 234U, 235U, 226Ra and 210Pb from past uranium mining: cove wash, Arizona

The objectives of the study are to present a critical review of the (238)U, (234)U, (235)U, (226)Ra and (210)Pb levels in water samples from the EPA studies (U.S. EPA in Abandoned uranium mines and the Navajo Nation: Red Valley chapter screening assessment report. Region 9 Superfund Program, San Francisco, 2004, Abandoned uranium mines and the Navajo Nation: Northern aum region screening assessment report. Region 9 Superfund Program, San Francisco, 2006, Health and environmental impacts of uranium contamination, 5-year plan. Region 9 Superfund Program, San Franciso, 2008) and the dose assessment for the population due to ingestion of water containing (238)U and (234)U. The water quality data were taken from Sect. "Data analysis" of the published report, titled Abandoned Uranium Mines Project Arizona, New Mexico, Utah-Navajo Lands 1994-2000, Project Atlas. Total uranium concentration was above the maximum concentration level for drinking water (7.410-1 Bq/L) in 19 % of the water samples, while (238)U and (234)U concentrations were above in 14 and 17 % of the water samples, respectively. (226)Ra and (210)Pb concentrations in water samples were in the range of 3.7 × 10(-1) to 5.55 × 102 Bq/L and 1.11 to 4.33 × 102 Bq/L, respectively. For only two samples, the (226)Ra concentrations exceeded the MCL for total Ra for drinking water (0.185 Bq/L). However, the (210)Pb/(226)Ra ratios varied from 0.11 to 47.00, and ratios above 1.00 were observed in 71 % of the samples. Secular equilibrium of the natural uranium series was not observed in the data record for most of the water samples. Moreover, the (235)U/(total)U mass ratios ranged from 0.06 to 5.9 %, and the natural mass ratio of (235)U to (total)U (0.72 %) was observed in only 16 % of the water samples, ratios above or below the natural ratio could not be explained based on data reported by U.S. EPA. In addition, statistical evaluations showed no correlations among the distribution of the radionuclide concentrations in the majority of the water samples, indicating more than one source of contamination could contribute to the sampled sources. The effective doses due to ingestion of the minimum uranium concentrations in water samples exceed the average dose considering inhalation and ingestion of regular diet for other populations around the world (1 μSv/year). The maximum doses due to ingestion of (238)U or (234)U were above the international limit for effective dose for members of the public (1 mSv/year), except for inhabitants of two chapters. The highest effective dose was estimated for inhabitants of Cove, and it was almost 20 times the international limit for members of the public. These results indicate that ingestion of water from some of the sampled sources poses health risks.

Analysis of Uranium Concentration in Drinking Water Samples Using ICPMS

Uranium concentration in drinking water samples collected from some areas of Northern Rajasthan has been measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The water samples were taken from hand pumps. The uranium concentration in water samples varies from 2.54-133.0 μg L with a mean value of 38.48 μg L. The uranium concentration in most of the drinking water samples exceeds the safe limit (30 μg L) recommended by the World Health Organization. The annual effective dose associated with drinking water due to uranium concentration is estimated from its annual intake using dosimetric information based on ICRP 72. The resulting value of the annual effective dose from drinking water sources is in the range of 2.11-110.45 μSv. The annual effective dose in one of the samples was found to be greater than WHO-recommended level of 100 μSv y.

Laser flourimetric analysis of uranium in water from Vishakhapatnam and estimation of health risk

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is both radiologically and chemically toxic. The presence of uranium in the aquatic environment is due to the leaching from natural deposits, release in mill tailings, the combustion of coal and other fuels, and the use of phosphate fertilizers that contain uranium. Intake of uranium through air and water is normally low, but in circumstances in which uranium is present in a drinking water source, the majority of intake can be through drinking water route. The uranium concentrations in ground water samples from Vishakhapatnam, India were estimated using laser fluorimetric technique and were observed to range from 0.6 to 12.3 ppb. The laser fluorimetry technique was found to be an excellent tool for direct measurement of uranium concentration in water samples at ultra-trace levels. The annual effective dose, cumulative dose for 70 years and the lifetime excess cancer risk from drinking of this water were calculated. The risks were low averaging only 10.6 × 10 -6 as none of the samples were observed to exceed the WHO recommended uranium concentration limit of 30 ppb.

Measurement of Uranium Concentration in Soil of Middle of Iraq using CR ?V 39 Track Detector

The aim of this research is to determine the uranium concentration in soil and water samples taken from different locations from the middle and south of Iraq using fission fragments track registration. Twelve samples of soil and water were taken from middle and South of Iraq. The nuclear reaction used as a source of nuclear fission fragments is U-235 (n.f) obtained by bombardment U-235with thermal neutrons from (Am-Be) neutron source with flux (5X103 n.cm-2.s-1). The concentration values were calculated by a comparison with standard samples recommended by IAEA.The results of the measurements show that the uranium concentration in soil samples were in Thekar (16.38 ppm), AL-Basra (16.1ppm) and (0.78 ppm) in Baghdad, from the results which show that this governorate were contaminated with depleted uranium after the Wars against Iraq . The uranium concentration in the water samples of Tigers river were in AL-Qurna (8.85 ?g/l) and in AL-Suwera (4.72 ?g/l).

Measurement of Uranium Concentration in Soil of Middle of Iraq using CR ?V 39 Track Detector

The aim of this research is to determine the uranium concentration in soil and water samples taken from different locations from the middle and south of Iraq using fission fragments track registration. Twelve samples of soil and water were taken from middle and South of Iraq. The nuclear reaction used as a source of nuclear fission fragments is U-235 (n.f) obtained by bombardment U-235with thermal neutrons from (Am-Be) neutron source with flux (5X103 n.cm-2.s-1). The concentration values were calculated by a comparison with standard samples recommended by IAEA.The results of the measurements show that the uranium concentration in soil samples were in Thekar (16.38 ppm), AL-Basra (16.1ppm) and (0.78 ppm) in Baghdad, from the results which show that this governorate were contaminated with depleted uranium after the Wars against Iraq . The uranium concentration in the water samples of Tigers river were in AL-Qurna (8.85 ?g/l) and in AL-Suwera (4.72 ?g/l).

Assessment of age-dependent uranium intake due to drinking water in Hyderabad, India

A study has been done to assess the uranium intake through drinking water. The area of study is twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, India. Uranium concentration in water samples was analysed by laser-induced fluorimetry. The associated age-dependent uranium intake was estimated by taking the prescribed water intake values. The concentration of uranium varies from below detectable level (minimum detectable level = 0.20 ± 0.02 μg l(-1)) to 2.50 ± 0.18 μg l(-1), with the geometric mean (GM) of 0.67 μg l(-1) in tap water, whereas in ground water, the range is 0.60 ± 0.05 to 82 ± 7.1 µg l(-1) with GM of 10.07 µg l(-1). The daily intake of uranium by drinking water pathway through tap water for various age groups is found to vary from 0.14 to 9.50 µg d(-1) with mean of 1.55 µg d(-1).

Estimation of uranium and radon concentration in some drinking water samples of Upper Siwaliks, India

Uranium and radon concentration was assessed in water samples taken from hand pumps, natural sources and wells collected from some areas of Upper Siwaliks, Northern India. Fission track registration technique was used to estimate the uranium content of water samples. The uranium concentration in water samples was found to vary from 1.08 +/- 0.03 to 19.68 +/- 0.12 microg l(-1). These values were compared with safe limit values recommended for drinking water. Most of the water samples were found to have uranium concentration below the safe limit of 15 microg l(-1) (WHO, World Health Organization, Guidelines for drinking-water quality (3rd ed.). Geneva, Switzerland: WHO, 2004). The radon estimation in these water samples was made using alpha-scintillometry to study its correlation with uranium. The radon concentration in these samples was found to vary from 0.87 +/- 0.29 to 32.10 +/- 1.79 Bq l(-1). The recorded values of radon concentration were within the recommended safe limit of 4 to 40 Bq l(-1) (UNSCEAR, United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations, Sources and effects of ionizing radiation. New York: United Nations, 1993). No direct correlation was found between uranium concentration and radon concentration in water samples belonging to Upper Siwaliks. The values of uranium and radon concentration in water were compared with that from the adjoining areas of Punjab state, India.