Influence of interflow carbonate-clay association for groundwater fluoride contamination in eastern Deccan, central...

In central India, fluoride contamination in deeper basaltic aquifer is geogenic. This study demonstrates the source of fluorine enrichment in aquifer matrix and its release mechanism into groundwater. Magmatic-hydrothermal residual melt, i.e., albitic-calcic-amphibole-apatite-rich intrusive rock is the main source of fluorine enrichment. The association of this rock with interflow carbonate-clay assemblage played a significant role for fluoride contamination. Fluorine-enriched residual melt interacted with interflow carbonate-clay association, and this interaction metasomatized the carbonates and enhanced fluorine concentration in sediments. Bulk fluorine concentration of 988 ppm is measured in the soil developed over the association of intrusive rock and carbonate-clay assemblage. X-ray diffraction and electron-probe micro analysis confirmed the presence of fluorine-bearing and/or containing minerals, i.e., fluorite, fluorapatite, and palygorskite. The presence of bicarbonate and Na⁺ (from albitic feldspar) in alkaline water enhanced desorption of fluoride from clays, and dissociation from fluorapatite and fluorite from carbonate-clay assemblage, which released fluoride from aquifer matrix to groundwater. Clay horizon acts as an impervious cap on the deeper aquifer and increases the residence time of groundwater. In such favorable physico-chemical condition, fluoride released from aquifer matrix to groundwater and gradually increasing the degree of fluoride contamination.