‘Uranium contamination in Rajasthan groundwater’

‘Uranium contamination in Rajasthan groundwater’

Uranium pollutant

News:

1. Recently a study conducted by Duke University, USA and Central Groundwater Board of India has found widespread uranium contamination in groundwater from aquifers in 16 Indian states.

Important Facts:

2. WHO and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for uranium level for safe drinking water: 30 micrograms of uranium/litre
3. However, in India Uranium is not included in list of contaminants monitored in drinking water specifications provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards
4. Extent of uranium contamination:

• 16 states in north western, southern and south-eastern India
• High prevalence in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh

5. Causes:

• Primarily natural factors.
• Aggravated by human factors such as a groundwater-table decline and nitrate pollution
• Decline in groundwater table induces oxidation conditions. As a result, uranium enrichment in shallow groundwater is enhanced.