Fluorimeter: DAE develops device to measure uranium traces in water

The Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), an Indore-based unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has developed an instrument called Fluorimeter, to measure traces of uranium in water.
The device is capable of examining traces of uranium in sample of water from 0.1 PPB (Parts-per-billion) unit to 100 PPB. It can be easily taken anywhere and water can be taken from any source for testing to instantly reveal if uranium traces present in water.
It costs around Rs 1 lakh. For mass production of this instrument, DAE has transferred its technology to its other unit, Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL). The device will be especially helpful in areas like Punjab where uranium traces in water sources have been found to be at dangerous levels.

Uranium Pollution

Uranium is a radioactive element. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has fixed tpermissible radiological limit to 60 PPB of uranium concentration for drinking water. It is advisable to people to avoid using water from sources where uranium traces are more than fixed limit. Drinking water with high levels of uranium traces increases radiological and chemical risks to human health.  It may cause thyroid cancer, blood cancer, depression and other serious ailments.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2018