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Source, mobilization and distribution of uranium in a complex aquifer system: a spatial and temporal evaluation using geochemical, statistics and GIS approach

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Abstract

The presence of uranium (U) in potable groundwater must be treated with extreme care because of its health concerns. The study area consists of complex lithology and various land use activities including natural and anthropogenic processes. The present study aims to assess the seasonal distribution, probable sources and factors responsible for U mobilization in groundwater and provides a holistic picture of geochemical processes in the study area. To achieve these objectives, a total of 680 groundwater samples were collected during four different seasons (pre-monsoon, southwest monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). The samples were collected with lithological differences to determine the effects of natural geochemical processes in addition to the anthropogenic impacts. The trend of anions reflected the following order during PRM and NEM: Cl > HCO3− > NO3 > SO4 > PO4, and cations Na > Ca > Mg > K during PRM and SWM. The U concentration in the samples ranged from 10 to 70 ppb, being higher during the NEM season. The samples were classified into three groups based on U concentration (< 10 ppb, 10–15 ppb and > 15 ppb) and studied using various geochemical diagrams, statistical application, thermodynamic study and saturation states for different minerals. The maximum concentration of U in groundwater during different seasons reflects that NEM > POM > SWM > PRM. The higher U values were observed in the hornblende–biotite–gneiss irrespective of the season. U in groundwater migrates away from the source due to its high solubility, where it tends to form complexes, especially in the presence of phosphates or carbonates. Analysis of the data shows that the majority of the samples in the monsoon season reflect dilution and recharge processes. In contrast, during SWM and PRM, ion exchange and anthropogenic influences predominate the processes. The PCA study shows that secondary salt leaching, weathering, anthropogenic influences and ion exchange play a significant role in determining the groundwater chemistry in this region.

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Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the first author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The project was funded by the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), India, vide reference to BRNS letter No. F: 36(4)/14/14/2014 Dated: 16 July 2014.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India

    M. Nepolian & N. Devaraj

  2. Water Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait, Kuwait

    S. Chidambaram

  3. Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University, Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

    M. V. Prasanna

  4. Department of Disaster Management, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, 630003, India

    S. Venkatramanan

  5. Department of Geology, V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, 628008, India

    S. Selvam

  6. School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People’s Republic of China

    G. Gnanachandrasamy

  7. Department of Civil Engineering, Sastra Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India

    M. Mahalakshmi

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  1. M. Nepolian
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  4. S. Venkatramanan
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This article is part of a Topical Collection in Environmental Earth Sciences on Groundwater quality and contamination and the application of GIS, guest edited by Narsimha Adimalla and Hui Qian.

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Nepolian, M., Chidambaram, S., Prasanna, M.V. et al. Source, mobilization and distribution of uranium in a complex aquifer system: a spatial and temporal evaluation using geochemical, statistics and GIS approach. Environ Earth Sci 81, 192 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-022-10291-2

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