Context
A chemical analysis of groundwater in 73 villages of Karnataka has found high levels of uranium concentration in groundwater of at least 57 villages.
- The uranium concentration in these villages was at least 30 micrograms per litre (μg / l). In 48 of these villages, the levels exceeded 60 μg / l.
About Uranium
- Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that occurs in low concentrations in nature.
- It powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs. It is as common in the Earth's crust as tin, tungsten and molybdenum.
- Found in: This heavy metal is present in natural form in certain types of soils and rocks, especially granites and meta-sedimentary rocks, as well as younger sedimentary deposits.
- Uranium occurs in seawater, and can be recovered from the oceans.
- Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth, a German chemist, in the mineral called pitchblende.
- This naturally radioactive element, powers nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
Reason for uranium contamination
Uranium can also be introduced in drinking water sources due to human induced activities such as:
- mill tailings
- emissions from the nuclear industry
- due to burning of coal and other fuels
Impact of Uranium in drinking water
- Uranium in drinking water raises concerns because of its chemical toxicity. Uranium (U) has no known essential biological functions.
- Chronic exposureto low-level U isotopes (radionuclides) may be interlinked with cancer etiology and at high exposure levels, also kidney disease.
