• UGI USER
  • Jul 20, 2024
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BARC STUDY: 60 MCG URANIUM IN WATER SAFE

Why in the news?

  • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) study concludes 60 mcg/litre of uranium in drinking water is safe.
  • Suggests the new national standard of 30 mcg/litre may be counterproductive.
source:lotusarise

Standards and Regulations:

  • Previous acceptable level set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was 60 mcg/litre.
  • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) reduced the limit to 30 mcg/litre in 2021, aligning with WHO guidelines.
  • BARC study argues this lower limit increases purification costs without health benefits.
About  the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB):

  • Established: November 15, 1983, under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
  • Mission: Ensure ionising radiation and nuclear energy use doesn’t risk health or environment.
  • Authority: Derived from Atomic Energy Act and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Composition: Up to five members, including full-time Chairman and Member-Secretary.
  • Responsibility: Accountable to the Atomic Energy Commission.
  • Functions: Regulate industrial safety for DAE units under the Factories Act, 1948.
  • Support: Administrative support from DAE for budget, parliamentary work, and establishment.

About Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC):

  • India’s premier nuclear research facility.
  • Headquartered in Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, overseen by the Prime Minister.
  • Multi-disciplinary research centre covering nuclear science, engineering, and related areas.
  • Research backbone of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL).

History:

  • Conceived by Dr. Homi Jehangir Bhabha.
  • Established Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945.
  • Founded Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in January 1954.
  • Renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) after Bhabha’s death in 1966.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/new-uranium-isotope/