Assessment of age-dependent radiation dose and toxicity risk due to intake of uranium through the ingestion of groundwater from Northern Rajasthan, India

Uranium traces were measured by laser fluorimeter in groundwater samples collected from four districts of Rajasthan state in India. The average values of uranium concentration in groundwater in Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, and Sikar districts were determined to be: 57, 50, 40, and 21 µg L−1, respectively. These recorded values were compared with the maximum contamination levels recommended for drinking water by various health and environmental protection agencies. The associated age-dependent radiation dose is estimated by taking the prescribed water intake values of different age groups. The average cancer mortality and morbidity risks are calculated to be 5.6 × 10−5 and 8.8 × 10−5 respectively, indicate that the probability of carcinogenic risks is negligible. About half (49%) of the analyzed samples showed hazard quotient > 1.0, indicating significant risk due to chemical toxicity of uranium.