IN PART OF NALGONDA DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

摘要

This study was carried out with the objective of understanding the spatial and temporal variation in groundwater level and uranium concentration in Peddagattu and Seripalli areas of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India where a uraninite deposit occurs. Mining of uraninite from this deposit is proposed to commence in near future. From March 2008 to November 2009, groundwater samples were collected from forty five wells. Groundwater level in wells was also recorded during sampling. The samples were analyzed for the uranium concentration using laser fluorimeter. The uranium concentration in the groundwater of this region ranges from 0.2 ppb to 118.4 ppb. About 20.61% of the groundwater samples had uranium concentration above the standards set by USEPA (30 ppb). The comparison between groundwater level and uranium concentration in groundwater shows that the uranium concentration increases with raise in groundwater table. This pattern of relationship indicates the effect of water table fluctuation between the weathered and fractured granites on concentration of uranium. In the event of opening up of mining activity in this region, care has to be taken to look into this pattern of relationship for proper and effective management of groundwater quality.