Standardization and Comparative Evaluation of Laser Fluorimetry for Uranium Detection in Water Sources

This study standardizes LED fluorimetry for uranium detection in drinking water and compares its performance with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Uranium concentrations were measured in 15 samples, comprising 12 water samples from Rupnagar district, Punjab (India), and three standard solutions prepared from certified reference materials. Concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 1000 ppb. LED fluorimetry results showed excellent agreement with ICP-MS (R² = 0.99), confirming its analytical reliability. The technique exhibited a linear response (R² = 0.9986) and maintained an accuracy of ± 10% across a wide dynamic range (0.5–1000 ppb). In contrast, XRF failed to detect uranium below 300 ppb, reflecting its operational limitations to the ppm range and lack of sensitivity for low-level quantification. Owing to its low cost, operational simplicity, and portability, LED fluorimetry offers a practical alternative to advanced laboratory-based methods. It is especially suited for routine uranium monitoring in groundwater, field surveys, and resource-limited settings where access to sophisticated instrumentation is restricted. These findings highlight LED fluorimetry as a reliable and accessible technique for environmental radiation monitoring and public health protection.