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Spatial distribution and risk assessment of naturally occurring uranium along with correlational study from Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India

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Abstract

The current study of the spatial distribution of uranium and water quality parameters along subsequent radiological impact due to uranium in the groundwater from the Buldhana district was undertaken. The chemo-radio toxicological dose owing to such dissolved uranium is estimated. The water quality parameters are compared with the World Health Organization and Bureau of Indian Standard's safe recommended limits and found well below. A correlation study was carried out between uranium and water quality parameters. Spatial distribution is mapped by GIS-based software. The chemo-radio toxicological risks due to uranium for different age groups were calculated. This finding in the study suggests that groundwater of the region is safe for drinking purposes based on a chemo-radiological point of view.

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Abbreviations

U:

Uranium

pH:

Potential of hydrogen

TDS:

Total dissolved solids

EC:

Electrical conductivity

DO:

Dissolved oxygen

ORP:

Oxidation reduction potential

TH:

Total hardness

WHO:

World health organization

BIS:

Bureau of Indian Standards

GIS:

Geographic information system

LULC:

Land use land cover

DEM:

Digital elevation model

USEPA:

United States Environmental Protection Agency

EDTA:

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

AERB:

Atomic Energy Regulatory Board

UNSCEAR:

United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation

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Acknowledgements

All authors are humbly thankful to the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai for providing financial support in the form of the major research project. Also, the authors thank to research colleagues, laboratory staff of the department of environmental science, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, and the residents of the district for their collaboration during sample collections.

Funding

Funding was provided by the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (Grant No. 36(4)14/30/2015-BRNS 10031) in the form major research project sanctioned to Dr. N. N. Bandela, Professor at Department of environmental science, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

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Kale, A., Bandela, N. & Kulkarni, J. Spatial distribution and risk assessment of naturally occurring uranium along with correlational study from Buldhana district of Maharashtra, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 327, 771–787 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07556-0

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