Study of Uranium levels in Groundwater Determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province

Abstract

Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Rayong Province where released the waste into the environment that may cause contamination of radioactive elements. This study aimed to measure the levels of uranium determined by technique Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in groundwater samples in Map Ta Phut.The 10 samples of groundwater were collected for uranium concentration measurements from this area. The results found that uranium concentrations were in the range of 0.43 to 32.18 µg/l. The maximum and minimum values were found at the level of 32.18µg/land 0.43 µg/l, respectively. The mean of measurements was found at8.32 ± 1.26µg/l.To compare the levels of uranium with the standard of contamination of uranium in drinking water (30 µg/l)recommended by the US EPA, the results found that only two samples (20%) of measurements were slightly higher (32.18 µg/l and 31.20 µg/l) than standard value. These results could be concluded that groundwater samples in this area were in the safe level for consumption and low risk of radiation exposure.