Uranium was discovered in 1789 by German chemist Martin Klaproth. This dense, silver-gray radioactive element is found in minute quantities in rock, soil, water, and air. The IAEA indicates that the average concentration of natural uranium in soil is about two parts per million. Uranium exists in two forms: enriched uranium, used for nuclear fuel and weapons, and depleted uranium, used in radiation shielding and projectiles. While generally low, uranium can contaminate drinking water in certain regions, leading to higher intake levels compared to food.
Uranium, discovered in 1789, is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in very small amounts in the environment—soil, water, and air.
The International Atomic Energy Agency states that a 10-centimeter cube of uranium weighs about 20 kilograms or 44 pounds, showing its high density.
Enriched uranium is primarily used as fuel for nuclear power plants and can also be found in nuclear weapons, while depleted uranium has alternative applications.
While uranium is present in drinking water, the World Health Organization notes that intake is usually low unless concentrations are unusually high in certain regions.
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