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High-fluoride groundwater.
1Department of Geology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530 003, India. srnandipati@rediffmail.com
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|August 3, 2010
Summary
High fluoride in drinking water causes health issues like fluorosis. Alkaline conditions, high pH, excess alkalinity, and low total hardness in groundwater favor increased fluoride levels, linked to geochemical reactions and arid climates.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrogeochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- High fluoride (F(-)) concentrations in drinking water are a significant public health concern, leading to endemic fluorosis in many regions, particularly in India.
- Understanding the geochemical factors influencing fluoride levels in groundwater is crucial for mitigating health risks associated with its consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chemical characteristics of groundwater that contribute to elevated fluoride concentrations.
- To establish the relationship between fluoride levels and key water quality parameters such as pH, total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), carbonate hardness (CH), non-carbonate hardness (NCH), and excess alkalinity (EA).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of groundwater chemical data from endemic fluorosis zones in Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Correlation of fluoride concentrations with parameters including pH, TA, TH, CH, NCH, and EA.
- Evaluation of geochemical reactions and environmental factors influencing fluoride release and concentration.
Main Results:
- Fluoride concentration showed a positive correlation with pH and TA, and a negative correlation with TH.
- Elevated fluoride levels were associated with excess alkalinity (EA) and low total hardness (TH).
- Geochemical reactions, evapotranspiration in arid climates, and alkaline soil conditions contribute to fluoride enrichment in groundwater.
Conclusions:
- Alkaline groundwater conditions, characterized by high pH, high EA, and low TH, are conducive to higher fluoride concentrations.
- Geochemical processes and climatic factors play a significant role in the natural enrichment of fluoride in drinking water sources.
- Findings provide insights for managing groundwater quality and preventing fluorosis in affected areas.
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