Hydrogeochemical Processes Governing Uranium Mobility: Inferences from the Anthropogenically Disturbed, Semi-arid Region of India

Khetri Copper Belt, Rajasthan, is anthropogenically active and geologically belongs to the Delhi super-group. A study was designed understand geochemical processes controlling elemental mobility in groundwater. Sampling sites were divided into three zones, i.e. copper, quartzite granite mine zones depending on type of mineral excavated. total 32 representative groundwater samples collected analysed for heavy metals radionuclide (U) using ICP–MS. maximum U concentration (average 87 µgL−1) observed zone, minimum 13 found copper zone samples. high (maximum 430 attributed dissolution due geogenic anthropogenic activities. Despite presence Jaspura Gothra granitoid abundance low suggesting scavenging by sulphides or iron oxides. Additionally, at confluence two geological groups, Fe with a which further confirms U. It evident from results that absence iron-bearing sulphides, would be very compared current concentration. also indicates sulphide-rich waste. The present recommends research feasibility mining waste removal contamination