Dynamics of Uranium Concentration in Groundwater of Mineralized Formations, Western Edge of Aïr Massif, Agadez Region (North Niger)

The study area is located in Arlit region, which is a semi-arid zone and where groundwater is the main source of water resources. In this area, the host formations of uranium mineralization are also aquifers. Thus, the waters of these aquifers naturally contain significant amounts of uranium. The consumption of water from these wells can constitute a proven health risk for population. It is therefore urgent to analyses the groundwater from these aquifers in order to determine the uranium content of these waters. The objective of this study is to determine the uranium content in these aquifers. A methodological approach based on hydrochemical analysis methods has shown that the groundwater sampled contains very high levels of uranium ranging from 0.26 mg/L to 0.0024 mg/L, which is unsuitable for any human activity, outside the processing of uranium ores. In addition, these waters naturally contain uranium related to the geological context of this area. However, other external sources such as mining activities bring uranium through water seepage or accidents. Note that these waters are not used by population because they are located in the mining area. The water from these wells is used in the processing of uranium ore for the purpose of extracting uranium contained therein. This study made it possible to identify the uranium content of groundwater in mineralized formations of study area.