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Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
Published on: June 21, 2015
Occurrence of uranium in Swiss drinking water
E Stalder1, A Blanc, M Haldimann
1Federal Office of Public Health, Food Safety Division, Chemical Risks Section, CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland.
Chemosphere
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Uranium levels in Swiss drinking water are generally low, with most samples below World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Elevated uranium concentrations are primarily linked to alpine geology, not other surveyed elements.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Uranium naturally occurs in groundwater, with concentrations varying based on geological factors.
- Assessing uranium levels in drinking water is crucial for public health and regulatory compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a nationwide survey of uranium concentrations in Swiss drinking water.
- To investigate potential correlations between uranium and other elemental contaminants.
- To evaluate compliance with international drinking water guidelines for uranium.
Main Methods:
- Systematic nationwide survey of water sources across Switzerland.
- Analysis of drinking water for uranium and 30 other elements (Li, B, Si, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb).
- Statistical analysis to identify correlations between uranium and other elements.
Main Results:
- Elevated uranium concentrations were mainly observed in alpine regions, attributed to bedrock geology.
- No significant correlation was found between uranium and other surveyed elements.
- 98% of samples were below the 2004 WHO guideline (15 μg L⁻¹), and 99.7% were below the 2011 guideline (30 μg L⁻¹).
Conclusions:
- Swiss drinking water generally meets WHO uranium guidelines.
- Alpine regions with specific geology require further investigation for uranium contamination.
- The study provides a baseline for assessing potential health risks and informing future water quality management.
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