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Hydrogeochemical Processes Governing Uranium Mobility: Inferences from the Anthropogenically Disturbed, Semi-arid Region of India

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Abstract

Khetri Copper Belt, Rajasthan, is anthropogenically active and geologically belongs to the Delhi super-group. A study was designed to understand the geochemical processes controlling the elemental mobility in the groundwater. Sampling sites were divided into three zones, i.e. copper, quartzite and granite mine zones depending on the type of mineral excavated. A total of 32 representative groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metals and radionuclide (U) using ICP–MS. A maximum U concentration (average 87 µgL−1) is observed in the quartzite mine zone, and minimum (average 13 µgL−1) is found in the copper mine zone samples. A high concentration of U (maximum of 430 µgL−1) in groundwater is attributed to mineral dissolution due to geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Despite the presence of Jaspura and Gothra granitoid in the copper mine zone, the abundance of U is low suggesting the scavenging of U by sulphides or iron oxides. Additionally, at the confluence of two geological groups, Fe concentration is found high with a low concentration of U which further confirms scavenging of U. It is evident from the results that in the absence of iron-bearing sulphides, U concentration in groundwater would be very high compared to the current concentration. It also indicates low concentration of U in the copper mine zone is due to dissolution of Fe sulphide-rich waste. The present study recommends further research to understand the feasibility of mining waste for the removal of U contamination from groundwater.

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Acknowledgements

The postdoctoral fellowship of the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati is acknowledged. The authors also acknowledge the support of IUAC for extending the ICPMS facility under the Geochronology project funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt of India. The authors also acknowledge the help of Dr. Sumaya Prasad Dhal (Research Associate), IUAC, in the handling of the instrument.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India

    Anita Punia & Rishikesh Bharti

  2. Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, India

    Pankaj Kumar

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  1. Anita Punia
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  2. Rishikesh Bharti
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  3. Pankaj Kumar
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Correspondence to Anita Punia or Rishikesh Bharti.

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Punia, A., Bharti, R. & Kumar, P. Hydrogeochemical Processes Governing Uranium Mobility: Inferences from the Anthropogenically Disturbed, Semi-arid Region of India. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 81, 386–396 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-021-00879-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-021-00879-3

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