Distribution of uranium in drinking/ground waters in Narsipatnam Revenue Division of Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh, India and consequent ingestion dose

摘要

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element. The higher concentrations of U in waters can cause chemical as well as radiological toxicity. In the present study 48 water samples were collected from the drinking/ground water sources in Narsipatnam Revenue division of Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh during pre and post monsoon seasons. Distribution of U has been measured and consequent ingestion dose was assessed. The observed U values range from < 0.2 to 25.4 ppb with a mean value of 4.9 ppb during pre monsoon season and U values range from < 0.2 to 19.4 ppb with a mean value of 2.7 ppb during post monsoon season. These values are compared with the AERB and WHO guideline values of 60 ppb and 30 ppb, respectively. The research results indicated that the waters are safe for drinking and domestic purposes.