Uranium Contamination in Delhi
03.12.2025
Uranium Contamination in Delhi
Context
Recent assessments by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) have flagged a concerning rise in uranium concentration within Delhi’s groundwater. The data indicates that approximately 13–15% of the tested samples contain uranium levels exceeding safe limits.
About the News
Definition: Uranium contamination describes the presence of uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive heavy metal, in groundwater sources at concentrations that are unsafe for human consumption.
Regulatory Standards: To ensure water safety, regulatory bodies have established specific threshold limits:
- World Health Organization (WHO): The guideline value is set at 30 micrograms per litre (µg/L).
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Under the revised IS 10500:2012, India aligns with the global benchmark, setting the acceptable limit at 0.03 mg/L (equivalent to 30 µg/L).
Causes of Contamination
Agricultural Factors:
- Fertilizer Runoff: The excessive application of phosphate fertilizers, which often contain trace amounts of uranium, results in the gradual leaching of the metal into the soil and underlying aquifers.
Geogenic and Hydrological Factors:
- Rock-Water Interaction: Aquifers situated within uranium-bearing geological formations naturally release the metal.
- Over-extraction: This process is intensified in deep groundwater zones where over-extraction alters the water chemistry, facilitating higher uranium release.
Anthropogenic Sources:
- Industrial Discharge: Improper disposal of industrial waste and effluents contributes to the release of uranium and other heavy metals into the local groundwater systems.
Implications
Public Health Risks:
- Renal Toxicity: Chronic ingestion of uranium-contaminated water is primarily linked to kidney damage and impaired renal function.
- Carcinogenic Risks: There is an increased likelihood of developing cancers associated with the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Skeletal Health: Uranium has the potential to accumulate in bone tissue, which can degrade long-term bone health.
Environmental Impact:
- Resource Degradation: Persistent contamination degrades the quality of aquifers, putting further strain on already scarce freshwater resources.
- Cumulative Pollution: The survey indicates that uranium presence often coincides with other pollutants, such as nitrates and fluoride, triggering complex cycles of co-contamination.
Conclusion
The detection of elevated uranium levels in Delhi's groundwater presents a significant public health and environmental challenge. With contamination stemming from a mix of agricultural, industrial, and natural factors, the situation demands strict adherence to BIS standards and better management of groundwater extraction and industrial effluents to protect vital water resources.