Elevated Uranium and Toxic Elements Concentration in Groundwater in Punjab State of India: Extent of the Problem and Risk Due to Consumption of Unsafe Drinking Water

The article provides the first ever Statewise information on uranium and other toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, Al, Hg, Se, and Ni) present in excess quantity in groundwater in Punjab State of India. It undertakes detailed analysis of 252 ground water samples, out of total 1,686 samples, which were found exceeding guideline value for uranium in drinking water as specified by different regulating agencies like Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) India, United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and World Health Organization (WHO). The groundwater samples were collected from 14 districts for analysis of uranium following suspected high level of uranium in groundwater and possible co-relationship of uranium in drinking water with high incidences of cancer, kidney problem, birth defects, and other abnormalities in some areas in Punjab State of India. Basic information on cancer-related incidences is also given. Keeping in view that there could be multiple reasons of cancer-related incidences and other health hazards, data on pesticide consumption in the State were also collected, and test results of other toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, Al, Hg, Se, and Ni) in 7,176 groundwater-based drinking water sources are also presented.The analysis reveals that groundwater at many villages, which is used for drinking purpose, is contaminated with uranium and other toxic metals, and consumption of drinking water contaminated with many toxic elements may be one of the reason of high incidences of cancer, kidney problem, birth defects, and other abnormalities in some areas in Punjab State of India.