Evaluation of ground water ²²⁶Ra level in the vicinity of an operating Uranium industry at Jaduguda, Harkhand

The principal radionuclide which assumes significance for ground water contamination is ²²⁶Ra based on the fact that it has a high degree of radiotoxicity, is bone-seeking, has a long half life of 1620 years and has a high potential for biological damage. The paper briefly outlines the waste disposal and management technique of the industry. Summary of the results of ground water monitoring carried out over the years around the waste depository of uranium industry at Jaduguda and away from it is discussed in the text. Even after four decades of uranium mining and ore processing carried out at Jaduguda, significant change has not been observed in adjoining ground water ²²⁶Ra level. The variation is natural and is attributed to the fact that the uranium mineralization is widespread in the study area. The elevated levels of ²²⁶Ra have been found in spring wells near the mineralized hills of this area. The mean concentration of ²²⁶Ra is significantly lower as compared to the limits set up by national regulatory agencies (300 mBq.1⁻¹) and WHO guideline values of 1000 mBq.1⁻¹.