Uranium in Punjab groundwater is not currently having an effect on the health of its inhabitants. However, it will become a major concern in years to come if proper sampling/testing procedures are not done on a routine basis for monitoring reasons. If routine sampling/testing of drinking water supplies continues as it now does, many more will be affected by uranium contamination than you may realize. Currently, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that approximately one-third of all groundwater samples from Punjab have uranium contamination greater than the national safety standard of .03 mg/L.
The greatest concentration of groundwater contamination by uranium is found in the Malwa region specifically within the districts of Bathinda, Barnala, Fazilka, and Muktsar.
Historically, maximum uranium concentrations observed in a groundwater sample in Punjab was around 300µg/L (1.13µg/L). Recent studies have shown contamination of other surface and groundwater sources. Scientists attribute uranium contamination to a combination of extreme geological conditions/insufficient natural protection, agricultural on the ground that retains naturally-occurring uranium and then subsequently leaches it from soil into the water, and excessive ground water extraction or mining activities in the Punjab.
Health problems will likely develop due to long-term exposure to uranium
There have been numerous scientific investigations regarding the potential effect of consuming uranium contaminated/disposed water long term has on humans. To this day, it is widely accepted that consuming long-term uranium contaminated water can result in long-term effects on the function of kidneys. In addition, health problems will likely develop due to long-term exposure to uranium such as bone toxicity, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
Water security and the trust that residents have in their water sources for drinking have also been affected by this situation. People still use alternative methods of obtaining water or use filters to clean their water. Experts feel that it will be necessary to continue to monitor groundwater routinely and to invest in water treatment technologies (e.g., reverse osmosis, etc.). Furthermore, experts recommend developing a more sustainable agricultural approach to help with this challenge and will aid in ensuring safe and reliable access to drinking water as well as preserving the public’s overall health in the Punjab region.
Dr. Sukanya Mehra
Environmental Toxicologist
Assistant Professor, Khalsa University, Amritsar