A Global Assessment of Uranium Concentrations in Water for Sustainability

Abstract

In recent years, several studies have been conducted to determine the potability of water in terms of uranium contamination. Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element, and its presence in water beyond the acceptable level can be considered extremely hazardous to human health. Long-term intake of uranium-contaminated water has several health hazards, including kidney damage, genotoxicity, breast cancer, and cardiovascular disease. While water quality has historically been assessed using physicochemical parameters, more recently investigation of uranium and radionuclide content has gained attention due to the recognition of the potential for severe effects on human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) first advocated a limit of 15 µg/L, but this was later increased to 30 µg/L, while the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has set a tolerable limit of uranium in drinking water at 60 µg/L. Most natural water sources contain measurable levels of uranium. Uranium can be detected via laser fluorimetry, ICP-MS, atomic absorption, UV fluorimetry, gamma spectrometry, fission tracking, alpha spectrometry, liquid chromatography, liquid scintillation counting, and/or neutron activation methods. This chapter describes a global overview of the present scenario of uranium levels in water samples, risks associated with the higher detected concentration levels, and some suggestions for economically based remediation techniques. Water is ingested by all living things, thus if it is contaminated, it may have an impact on all living things, either directly or indirectly, affecting sustainability.

Publication Title

Chemistry of Uranium

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