Recently, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) study concluded that uranium concentrations up to 60 µg/l in drinking water are safe, suggesting that the new stricter standard of 30 µg/l may be counterproductive.
BARC Study Findings
- Previous Limit: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) in India previously set the acceptable level of uranium concentration in drinking water at 60 µg/l.
About Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
- The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board was constituted on November 15, 1983, by the President of India by exercising the powers conferred by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions under the Act.
- The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from the rules and notifications promulgated under the Atomic Energy Act and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
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- BIS Changed the Limit: In 2021, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) revised the limit to 30 µg/l, aligning with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
- BARC scientists highlight that BIS did not conduct health impact studies before implementing the 30 µg/l limit, unlike other agencies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which performed a cost-benefit analysis.
- EPA set the drinking water limit for uranium at 30 µg/l after determining that there is no significant difference in health effects between 20 µg/l, 30 µg/l, and 80 µg/l.
- BARC scientist Study: A study by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) scientists concludes that uranium concentrations up to 60 µg/l in drinking water are safe, questioning the necessity of the new BIS standard.
- Unnecessary Purification Cost: The study argues that the more stringent BIS standard of 30 µg/l could lead to unnecessary purification costs without significant health benefits.
- No Health Risk: Citing WHO studies, the BARC researchers state that small concentrations of uranium in drinking water pose no significant health risks, including cancer.
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Uranium-rich country’s Limits
- Finland and Slovakia are two nations with considerable amounts of uranium consumption — have prescribed safety limits of 100 and 350 µg/l respectively
- Another uranium-rich country, South Africa, has a limit of 70 µg/l.
- Limits in countries like Canada and Australia that have the largest deposits of uranium among others, 20 and 15 µg/l, respectively.
- Germany, which does not have uranium, has even lower limits.
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Main Factors Responsible for Uranium Contamination in Groundwater
- Geological Factors
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- Natural Uranium Deposits: The presence of uranium-bearing minerals in the Earth’s crust can lead to natural leaching into groundwater.
- Weathering: Weathering of rocks containing uranium can release uranium into surrounding soil and water systems.
- High levels of uranium are largely due to natural uranium content in aquifer rocks, oxidation state and groundwater chemistry
- Extreme bicarbonate levels were also found at the sites with high uranium levels. Bicarbonates help to bring the uranium out of the source rocks and is a reason for the high occurrence of the element, said Rachel Coyte, the lead author of the study.
- Acidity and pH Levels: Acidic conditions can enhance the solubility of uranium in water, increasing its mobility and concentration in groundwater.
- Human Activities
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- Mining and Milling: Uranium mining and milling activities can result in the release of uranium into the environment, contaminating groundwater sources.
- Nuclear Power Plants: Accidental releases or improper disposal of nuclear waste can lead to groundwater contamination.
- Over-Extraction of Groundwater: Over-pumping of groundwater can alter the flow patterns and draw uranium-contaminated water from deeper aquifers.
Causes of Groundwater Contamination
About: Groundwater contamination occurs when pollutants are introduced into the underground water supply, making it unsafe for human consumption, agriculture, and the environment.
Following are the causes
- Industrial Activities: Accidental spills of chemicals and hazardous substances from industries can seep into the groundwater.
- Pesticides and Fertilizers: Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to the leaching of harmful chemicals into groundwater.
- Animal Waste: Runoff from livestock operations can introduce nitrates and pathogens into the water table.
- Arsenic, Fluoride, Nitrates, Radon: Naturally occurring minerals, such as Arsenic, Fluoride, Nitrates, Radon, can contaminate groundwater through geological processes.
- Leachate: Waste materials in landfills can produce leachate, a liquid that can permeate the soil and contaminate groundwater with various pollutants.
- Urbanization and Infrastructure – Stormwater Runoff: Urban runoff can carry pollutants from roads, construction sites, and other urban areas into groundwater supplies.
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- Drinking water contaminated with heavy metals namely; arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury, chromium, zinc, and lead is becoming a major health concern for public and health care professionals.
- Health issues: It may include cardiovascular disorders, neuronal damage, renal injuries, and risk of cancer and diabetes.
- The general mechanism involved in heavy metal-induced toxicity is recognized to be the production of reactive oxygen species resulting in oxidative damage and health related adverse effects.
- Thus utilization of heavy metal-contaminated water is resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates all over the world.
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Effects of Groundwater Contamination
- Waterborne Diseases: Contaminated groundwater can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hepatitis.
- Ecosystem Damage: Contaminants can harm aquatic ecosystems, affecting plant and animal species and reducing biodiversity.
- Soil Degradation: Contaminated groundwater can lead to soil pollution, affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity.
- Agricultural Losses: Contaminated water can harm crops and livestock, leading to economic losses for farmers.
- Water Treatment Costs: Treating contaminated groundwater to make it safe for consumption can be expensive and resource-intensive.
Measures that the government has taken to address this issue
- Namami Gange Program: This initiative aims to clean river Ganga which provides water for 28% of the country’s resources and is home to roughly 43% of its people. For instance: Varanasi, a historic city along the Ganges, has upgraded sewage treatment plants, reducing pollutants entering the river.
- National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM): To map aquifers and create a detailed database of groundwater resources in the country.
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal): A Central Sector Scheme with an aim to improve groundwater management through community participation.- National Water Policy 2012: It has set clear guidelines for water quality, alongside strict penalties for non-compliance. E.g.: it advocates for River Basin Organizations that manage critical resources for rivers like the Godavari and Krishna, thereby promoting better water management and reducing pollution.
- National Green Tribunal (NGT): The NGT has played a vital role in controlling water pollution. E.g.: In 2017, it ordered the closure of industrial units in Bijnor and Amroha districts of Uttar Pradesh that were found to be discharging pollutants into the Ganges, setting a precedent for strict pollution controls.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Guidelines: Monitoring stations have been set up along rivers like the Yamuna near Delhi, allowing for early identification of pollution and corrective measures, such as installing water treatment facilities to purify the water.
- Community-Led Initiatives: In Rajasthan, groups like Tarun Bharat Sangh have been instrumental in reviving rivers and improving groundwater levels through community participation. Their efforts have been widely supported by the government.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Partnerships between government agencies and NGOs, such as WaterAid India, have led to educational programs in cities like Kolkata and Bangalore. They educate communities about the importance of clean water, leading to greater public involvement in local water management efforts.
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July 22, 2024