Investigation of radiation dose-dependent risk on individuals due to drinking water ingestion in Yamunanagar District, India.

Natural elements like uranium and its by-products can cause health problems if they are present in groundwater at excessive concentrations. Some industrial activities are known to elevate uranium concentrations, such as uranium mining, phosphate fertilizer production, nuclear power plants, metal processing, and coal combustion. This study gives information about the uranium concentration in groundwater samples collected from distinct water sources like hand pumps and tube wells from a variety of depths and numerous locations in Yamuna Nagar, Near Shivalik Hills, and the Origin of Saraswati River, India. Uranium concentration was measured using the LED fluorimetry technique. The average value of uranium (13.09 µg L−1) and annual effective dose (2.18 µSv y−1) is found to be within the as reported by WHO (Guidelines for drinking-water quality, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2011) and as reported by AERB (Drinking water specifications in India, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai, 2004) recommended safe limits of 30 µg L−1 and 60 µg L−1 respectively. For the evaluation of health risks associated with groundwater, the chemical toxicity risk and radiological risk of uranium in water are also assessed in this study. The activity of natural radionuclides in some locations is found to be high, which might be due to the local geology, hydrology, and type of industries in that region. The current study will benefit both residents and government agencies regarding uranium exposure to drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]