Distribution of Uranium in the Aquatic Environment

Uranium is ubiquitous in nature and also known for radiological and chemical toxicity. Its mobility from rocks to water is influenced by several factors. Higher lithologic concentration and uranium mining & processing practices may also contribute to its migration from rock to aquatic environment. As water is a vital component of our ecosystem, higher concentration of uranium in surface and groundwater may pose a threat to the life in the environment. Therefore, regulatory agencies and professional advisory groups in the world suggest maximum acceptable levels of uranium in drinking water. The author had undertaken a study in Singhbhum Shear Zone, a known uranium province of India covering various aspects of uranium mineralisation, geo-morphological set-up, mining and processing practices, conditions for mobility of uranium into water and its possible impact on human health. The study area has recorded an unprecedented rise in mining activities and population growth leading to extensive utilization of surface and sub-surface water. The book depicts the concentration of uranium in aquatic environment of the area and an appraisal of this water with respect to drinking water quality.