Assessment and Mitigation of Heavy Toxic Elements with Emphasis on Uranium in the Malwa Region of Punjab, India

Abstract

The Malwa region of Punjab, India, is witnessing an increase in cancer patients, but the origin of high uranium concentrations in groundwater remains unclear. In this study, 91 groundwater samples from the Malwa region were analyzed using ion chromatography for cations and anions and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry for heavy element concentrations. Uranium concentrations ranged from 1.13 to 299.40 μg/L (mean: 54.03 μg/L), with 73% of samples exceeding the permissible limit of 30 μg/L for uranium in drinking water prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards and the World Health Organization. Elevated arsenic and selenium levels were observed in 3 and 10% of the samples. The groundwater primarily was of Mg-HCO₃ type and alkaline due to silicate and carbonate rock weathering. Cluster analysis grouped uranium with nitrate, sodium, and potassium, indicating interconnected behavior. Spearman correlation analysis showed correlations of uranium with electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, nitrate, sulfate, sodium, and potassium, suggesting salt-induced ion competition as the primary cause of uranium mobilization. Hydrogeochemical correlations showed that geogenic factors like rock water interactions, carbonic water type, and mineral saturation influence uranium mobilization. This study demonstrates that hydrogeochemical analysis can provide insights into drivers and the potential origin of uranium.

Uranium concentrations in groundwater of the Malwa region in the Punjab state, one of India’s most important agricultural production areas, are critically elevated. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals mechanisms of uranium mobilization and potential mitigation options.