Estimation of uranium retention, radiological and chemical doses from the exposure of uranium through drinking water

Radionuclides predominantly contribute to the radiological and chemical doses incurred by human beings. Among numerous radionuclides, uranium stands out as the primary contributor to human exposure, raising concerns on a global scale. The presence of radionuclides in groundwater presents a notable health risk to individuals consuming the water and the surrounding environment. Groundwater samples collected from various locations in the Nawanshahr and Rupnagar districts of Punjab, India, underwent analysis to estimate uranium levels. The concentration range in the studied areas varied from 11.98 to 67 mu g l-1. The study disclosed the retention of uranium in various organs and tissues, including the kidneys, liver, skin, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and urinary bladder. Time-dependent studies indicated a non-saturation behavior of uranium in bones, liver, kidneys, and other soft tissues. Dosimetric models were employed to calculate radiological doses for specific organs and assess chemical toxicity, forming a crucial component of a comprehensive health risk assessment.