Spatial and vertical distribution of uranium and associated hydro-geochemistry, chemometric statistics in groundwater of Mansa and Barnala districts, Punjab, India.

The current study aimed to elucidate the spatial and vertical distribution of uranium in groundwater of Mansa and Barnala districts of South-West Punjab, along with associated physico-geochemical properties and related pathfinder elements, employing hydro-geochemical methodologies and chemometric statistics. In this study, high prevalence (surpassing WHO limit 30 μg/L in drinking water) of uranium was observed in 67 % and 50 % of groundwater samples from Mansa and Barnala districts, respectively. Substantial fluoride contamination followed by nitrates was found in groundwater of both districts. The groundwater from deeper aquifers was found to be suitable for irrigation purpose in the study area. From the hydro-geochemistry study in Mansa district, it was observed both water-rock interactions and high saline water intrusions were responsible for ionic solubility whereas in Barnala district, the primary source of dissolved ions is water-rock interaction. A strong positive correlation of uranium was observed with its path finder elements (Cr, Mo, Se) in both districts indicated that the geogenic sources are predominantly responsible for the origin of U in groundwater of two districts. This study may provide a foundational dataset for the spatial and vertical distribution of uranium in groundwater across both districts, serving local communities, state and central governments and related organizations in formulating the policies and remediation strategies to address water pollution.