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‘Uranium contamination in Rajasthan groundwater’
Uranium pollutant
News:
- 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:
- WHO and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for uranium level for safe drinking water: 30 micrograms of uranium/litre
- However, in India Uranium is not included in list of contaminants monitored in drinking water specifications provided by the Bureau of Indian Standards
- Extent of uranium contamination:
- 16 states in north western, southern and south-eastern India
- High prevalence in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
- 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.
