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Distribution of 210Pb and 210Po in ground water around uranium mineralized area of Jaduguda, Jharkhand, India

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Abstract

In present study, distribution of 210Po and 210Pb in ground water in uranium mineralized zone of Jaduguda in East Singhbhum region of Jharkhand state, India is evaluated. Activity concentration of 210Po ranges from < 0.08 to 7.41 ± 0.90 mBq L−1 and activity concentration of 210Pb was ranging from 0.76 ± 1.27 to 34.43 ± 3.89 mBq L−1. Comparable results were observed for the samples from upstream and downstream direction with respect to uranium mining and ore processing facilities at Jaduguda reflecting restriction of migration of radionuclides from facilities. Activity concentrations of 210Pb and 210Po observed were below the guidance value of WHO. Average ingestion doses from 210Pb and 210Po in groundwater were calculated to 1.91 ± 1.60 µSv year−1 and 5.75 ± 4.45 µSv year−1respectevely. 210Po was observed to be decreasing with SO42− in ground water indicating possible fixation of 210Po with process involving formation of sulfates.

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Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to Shri. R. M. Suresh Babu, Associate Director, Health, Safety and Environment Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai for his support and encouragement during this study. Suggestions from colleagues of Health Physics Unit, Jaduguda, are appreciated. Authors are also thankful to Thanks are due to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited for providing facilities and assistance needed for the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Health Physics Unit, Health Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Jaduguda, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, 832102, India

    D. B. Sharma, V. N. Jha, Sarjan Singh & N. K. Sethy

  2. Health Physics Division, Mod Lab, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India

    S. K. Sahoo, S. K. Jha & M. S. Kulkarni

  3. Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India

    Sarjan Singh

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  1. D. B. Sharma
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Sharma, D.B., Jha, V.N., Singh, S. et al. Distribution of 210Pb and 210Po in ground water around uranium mineralized area of Jaduguda, Jharkhand, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 327, 217–227 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-020-07495-w

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