Potential interplay of Uranium with geochemical variables and mineral saturation states in groundwater

Uranium (U) is formed by the interaction of groundwater in aquifer and the surrounding rocks. The area chosen for this study is a hard rock terrain of various lithology in South India, which releases U in groundwater and affect the groundwater quality. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the geochemistry and temporal variations of U in groundwater with respect to saturation state of minerals for different seasons namely Pre-monsoon (PRM), Northeast monsoon (NEM), Southwest monsoon (SWM) and Post-monsoon (POM). A total of 216 groundwater samples were collected, representing various lithology (Fissile hornblende biotite gneiss, Charnockite, Quartzite, Granite and Flood Plain Alluvium) in the study area. The collected samples were analyzed for physical parameters such as Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids, pH and major ions. U was measured using Laser Fluorimeter. The study infers that weathering in SWM, ion exchange in PRM and POM and anthropogenic process in NEM were the three major processes that could dominate the hydrogeochemistry of U. The higher concentration of U has been highlighted, and the water–rock interaction has been studied to know the sources of origin and it has been plotted through bivariate and ternary diagrams. The saturation index study was made and calculated for uranium, carbonate, sulfate, silicate and phosphate minerals using PHREEQC Programme. Uraninite and Coffinite are the dominant saturated states of U minerals which tend to attain near saturation to saturation state irrespective of seasons. With the increase in U concentration irrespective of seasons, it was noticed that the saturation state of minerals is also increasing. Overall, the weathering process and the lithological impact are the sources for higher concentration of U and their minerals occurring in the study area. The outcome of the study will help the policy makers for sustainable management to safeguard the groundwater resource in this region.