Studies on Uranium Hydrogeochemistry in Kamalavathi River Basin, Gulbarga and Yadgir Districts, Karnataka

Uranium is a radioactive element and its presence in ground water, used for human consumption, forms a serious societal issue. The present study, deals with the occurrence and geochemistry of uranium in the aquifers underlying parts of Gulbarga and Yadigir districts of Karnataka State. The study area is confined to Kamalavathi river basin, where groundwater is the major source for domestic use. High uranium (>30 ppb) is found in the north eastern part of the study area. The present study deals with the geochemistry of uranium in ground water of Kamalavathi river basin. The data was subjected to statistical analysis to understand the inter relationship between various elements. The 2D and 3D maps of groundwater flow directions and uranium concentrations were used to understand the variation of uranium concentration along the groundwater flow. Detailed uranium geochemistry and Eh-pH diagrams were used to understand the lithological controls on occurrence of uranium in groundwater.