Estimation of Uranium and Related Health Risks Due to Consumption of Groundwater in Lower Himalayas

Exposure to uranium via ingestion of edible products may lead to serious health hazards when taken in quantities more than recommended limit. Hence, to assess the uranium content in groundwater and concerned health hazards 64 groundwater samples were collected from Hamirpur and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. The samples were collected in pre monsoon season from the handpumps and bowries. The region lies in Lower Himalayan range which is storehouse of various granatic rocks. Presence of uranium deposits in Tileli (Mandi), Rajpura (Una), Lambehra (Hamirpur) makes the area more vulnerable for the study. The groundwater samples were analysed to measure concentration of uranium using LED Fluorimeter developed by Quantalase Private. Limited. The uranium concentration in groundwater samples varied from 0.25 to 17.29 µg L^-1, with an average value of 1.97. Uranium concentration in none of the samples surpassed the limit of 30µg L^-1 recommended by WHO(2011), 60µg L^-1 set by AERB(2004). Health risks were estimated in terms radiological and chemical toxicity for different isotopes of uranium. The calculated average mortality and morbidity risks were lower than the actual prescribed limit. The average Lifetime Average Daily Dose (LADD) was calculated as 0.04 and Hazard Quotient (HQ) below unity. Annual ingestion doses for different age groups were also measured which lies under safe limit. Thus, it is recommended that the groundwater is safe for consumption by public. Using Hair Compartment Model for uranium and mean daily uranium intake of 2.71µg for 60-year exposure period, organ specific doses due to uranium radioisotopes in prime organs/tissues and excretion rates via urine, faeces and hair pathway are estimated.