Assessment of radiation dose due to 238U, 226Ra, 222Rn and 210Po in groundwater of Kodagu district, India.

Natural radionuclides are universally spread and can be found in varying levels in rock, soil and water depending on the geology. A potential health threat may be caused by them to humans on consumption of water, food and inhalation of air due to the presence of radionuclides. In the present study, an attempt has been made to study the distribution of 238U, 226Ra, 222Rn and 210Po in groundwater samples of Kodagu district, India.

Mapping of uranium concentrations in groundwater samples of Davanagere district, Karnataka, India, and assessment of effective dose to the population.

The geomorphology, geohydrology, lithology and ecological features of the area influence the uranium content in groundwater. The groundwater samples were collected from 75 locations of Davanagere district, Karnataka, India. Uranium analysis in the water samples was done using LED fluorimeter, based on fluorescence of dissolved uranyl salts.

Assessment of radiation dose due to 210Po in water and food samples of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, India.

Groundwater is in direct contact with the soil and rocks that dissolve many compounds and minerals including uranium and its daughter products. 210Po is one of the decay products of 238U series that cause internal radiation dose in humans when consumed in the form of water and food, including sea food. Therefore, activities of 210Po have been studied in ground and surface water, and in food samples that are commonly used in Chamarajanagar region of Karnataka, India.

Distribution of U and 210PO in groundwater of Kodagu district, Karnataka, India.

Trace amounts of uranium along with its decay products are found in varying levels in natural soil, rocks, water and air. They are a matter of significant concern due to their carcinogenic nature. In the present work, the distribution of U and 210Po in groundwater of Kodagu District, Karnataka, India, was studied.