A survey of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in the groundwater of NW Portugal

Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Ferreira, Isabel M.P.L.V.O.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/26019

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Authors

Pinto, Edgar

Almeida, Agostinho

Ferreira, Isabel M.P.L.V.O.

Abstract(s)

Thorium (Th) and uranium (U) are both radioactive and chemical toxins and the role that radiation vs chemical effects play in its toxicology remains mysterious. In the last years, a great interest on the environmental toxicity of Th and U has been raised by two recent developments: (i) the global drive toward low-carbon energy which enhances the interest towards nuclear power, and (ii) its growing use as depleted uranium (DU) in military munitions. A third important factor from an exposure perspective, and maybe the one receiving the least attention, is the increasing worldwide consumption of groundwater. Recent evidence points to the fact that groundwater in many parts of the world is contaminated with Th and U from natural and industrial sources. Exposure to Th and U from drinking water is growing rapidly as more people increasingly rely on groundwater as their primary source of water.

Keywords

Thorium Uranium

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/26019

Citation

Pinto, E., Almeida, A., & Ferreira, I. M. P. L. V. O. (2014). A survey of thorium (Th) and uranium (U) in the groundwater of NW Portugal. ICEH14 /3rd International Congress of Environmental Health: Proceedings Book, 1, 154–155.