Clear Water, Silent Danger: Delhi’s Uranium Crisis
Uranium – a naturally occurring, radioactive element and a heavy metal which is used mainly as a fuel in nuclear power stations – can also be a health hazard when found in our water sources. The latest Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) survey shows a high concentration of uranium in Delhi’s water, with 13-15% of samples surpassing the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 30 µg/l. The problem extends all throughout India with 1% of the 55,554 water samples showing elevated uranium levels, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Karnataka, etc.
Effects of Uranium Contamination on our bodies and environment
Uranium primarily enters the human body through ingestion (eating/drinking), especially from contaminated food/water, and inhalation of dust or aerosols, which is common in occupational settings. A small amount can also enter through broken skin or wounds. In addition to being toxic heavy metal, uranium is also a radioactive element and can cause several serious health issues ranging from renal failure (nephrotoxicity), diminished bone growth, and damage to the DNA when consumed in high quantities.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100043
Environmentally, uranium is among the top three naturally occurring groundwater contaminants along with arsenic and chromium. It impacts ecosystems, accumulates in the food chain, harms aquatic life.
Symptoms indicating uranium contamination
Through recent research, we know that when exposed to uranium, our brain can be affected and neurobehavioral problems can be observed. These include:
– Sleep – wake cycle disruption
– Memory loss
– High anxiety levels
– Headaches
– Tremors
– Cognitive difficulties
How did uranium get there?
Sources of uranium can be divided into two categories:
1. Geographic: A major source is geogenic, referring to the water-rock interaction, causing uranium release by leaching and breakdown of minerals like granites and phosphate rocks. Over-exploitation and decline of the groundwater table is a major factor that increases the concentration and mobility of naturally occurring uranium.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100043
2. Anthropogenic: These refer to man made sources and use of uranium in the following:
-Fuel (used in nuclear reactors)
-Agriculture (use of biofertilizers)
-Industries (oil and gas industries)
-Mining activity (release radioactive dust, radon, and water-borne toxins)
-Military activities (like nuclear weapons)
Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/9/4655?utm_source=researchgate.net&utm_medium=article
Moving foreword: Prevention of uranium contamination
Mitigation methods:
Mitigation of uranium is based on membrane separation technologies (reverse osmosis-RO), evaporation, coagulation, and adsorption principles. Bioremediation methods include the use of biochar, phytoremediation and microbial remediation. Technological advancement like these require encouragement and funding necessary for innovation.
Policy framework:
Key global health regulatory bodies like WHO have given a limit on uranium concentration in water (30 µg/l) which is adopted by several countries, including India. Although India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) had previously set it to 60 µg/l, disregarding the unfit chemical properties of uranium, this became a topic of debate and it was later updated to the WHO standard of 30 µg/l by Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS).
What can we do?
To help prevent uranium contamination on a community level, we need to focus on raising awareness on the issue itself, making people educated and capable of questioning their living standard. Regular testing and installing proper safety systems should be prioritized.
References
Balaram, V., Rani, A., & Rathore, D. P. S. (2022). Uranium in groundwater in parts of India and world: A comprehensive review of sources, impact to the environment and human health, analytical techniques, and mitigation technologies. Geosystems and Geoenvironment, 1(2), 100039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100043
Vellingiri, B. (2023). A deeper understanding about the role of uranium toxicity in neurodegeneration. Environmental Research, 233, 116511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geogeo.2022.100043
World Health Organisation (WHO) https://www.who.int
Bureau of Indian Stndard (BIS) https://www.bis.gov.in/?lang=en
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) https://cgwb.gov.in/
About the Author
Anika Bareja is a passionate environmentalist and a 2nd year student from the University School of Environment Management (GGSIPU).