Fluoride toxicity in groundwater and its chronic effect on human health: A study in Tiptur town and its surrounding areas in Karnataka State, India

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the boon provided by nature but indiscriminate urbanization, industrialization and overexploitation have led to its deterioration both in its quality and quantity. Fluorides are mainly found in groundwater derived by the solvent action of water on the rocks and the soil of the earth's crust. It is the most electro-negative of all chemical elements and is never encountered in nature in the element form. Imbalance of fluoride concentration causes effect on human life.A total of 50 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters as well as fluoride content. The groundwater samples were collected in sterilized polyethylene plastic bottles and then immediately analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, chloride and alkalinity. The fluoride concentration in some sample locations like S8, S10, S21, S32 and S48 were nearing the maximum permissible value of 1.5mg/L and in all other samples it ranged between 0.37mg/L to 1.48mg/L. It was found that out of 50 samples, about 90% werewithin permissible limit while 10% had fluoride approaching maximal permissible limit (1.5mg/L). Fluoride is an essential mineral for human life and for animals within permissible limit. The present study becomes essential for the people of Tiptur town and its surrounding areas to lead a healthy life, as they depend on groundwater resources to a great extent.