Preliminary studies of the water contamination in settlements located near the uranium mining territory in Northern Kazakhstan

Abstract

Uranium mining has heightened the risk of metal and radionuclide contamination in groundwater resources. Water contamination is a significant global environmental and public health issue, with wide-ranging impacts on ecosystems and human communities. The purpose of this study is to present the preliminary results of these studies, examining the contamination levels in water sources within settlements near uranium mines. In samples of water selected from a well of Kvartsitka, total alpha and beta activity exceeds the intervention level for drinking water. Radon concentrations in groundwater from boreholes have shown extremely high values in Saumalkol, which exceed the permissive level by an order of magnitude. This study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive monitoring and intervention in areas impacted by uranium mining. It is essential to implement advanced water treatment systems, conduct routine monitoring of radionuclide levels, and educate the public about the risks associated with using untreated well water to reduce exposure.