Factors influencing the high fluoride concentration in groundwater of Vellore District,South India

Most of the arid and semi-arid zones of the Indian subcontinent experience serious health problems due to high concentration of fluoride in drinking water. The Vellore District of Tamil Nadu suffers from high concentration of fluoride in water. However, most of the past studies in this region focused on tannery-related pollution and not on fluoride contamination. The present study attempts to identify the factors influencing the origin and spatial distribution of fluoride in the district. From the observed hydrochemical results of 68 well samples in the context of water level, well depth and hydrochemical parameters, F^? concentration showed increasing trend in the presence of Na⁺ and HCO₃ ^?. This is due to the alkaline nature of groundwater that favors the dissolution of F^?-rich minerals. The occurrence of high fluoride in Na–HCO₃ type of water confirmed this hypothesis. However, Ca²⁺ showed an insignificant correlation with F^?. The high Na/Ca ratio (>1) in 73 % of the samples and the result of Na/Na+Cl plot suggest the occurrence of cation exchange in the study area. The major source of F^? was identified as products of the weathering and the dissolution of fluorites, amphiboles and micas present in the geological formations in the study area. The positive relationship between NO₃ ^? and F^? in few wells located in agricultural fields suggest possible source of F^? from the application of fertilizers. More than 25 % of the samples had higher values of fluoride than the permissible limit of drinking water according to Indian standards. Spatial distribution of fluoride showed a higher concentration in the southwest part of the study area, namely, Thirupathur and Vaniyambadi. This study shows that contamination was high in certain parts of Vellore District and the quality of water must be maintained by resorting to appropriate treatment and management strategies.     

Investigation of fluoride contamination and its mobility in groundwater of Simlapal block of Bankura district,West Bengal,India

The occurrence of dental/skeletal fluorosis among the people in the study area provided the motivation to assess the distribution, severity and impact of fluoride contamination in groundwater of Bankura district at Simlapal block, West Bengal, India. To meet the desired objective, groundwater samples were collected from different locations of Laxmisagar, Machatora and Kusumkanali regions of Simlapal block at different depths of tube wells in both pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Geochemical results reveal that the groundwaters are mostly moderate- to hard-water type. Of total groundwater samples, 37% are situated mainly in relatively higher elevated region containing fluoride above 1.5 mg/L, indicating that host aquifers are severely affected by fluoride contamination. Machatora region is highly affected by fluoride contamination with maximum elevated concentration of 12.2 mg/L. Several symptoms of fluorosis among the different age-groups of people in Laxmisagar and Machatora areas are indicating consumption of fluoridated water for prolonged period. The groundwater samples were mainly Na–Ca–HCO₃ type and rock dominance indicating the dissolution of minerals taking place. Ion exchange between OH^? ion and F^? ion present in fluoride-bearing mineral is the most dominant mechanism of fluoride leaching. High concentration of Na⁺ and HCO₃ ^? increases the alkalinity of the water, providing a favorable condition for fluoride to leach into groundwater from its host rocks and minerals.     

Mechanism of fluoride enrichment in groundwater of hard rock aquifers in Medak,Telangana State,South India

A total of 194 groundwater samples were collected from wells in hard rock aquifers of the Medak district, South India, to assess the distribution of fluoride in groundwater and to determine whether this chemical constituent was likely to be causing adverse health effects on groundwater user in the region. The study revealed that the fluoride concentration in groundwater ranged between 0.2 and 7.4 mg/L with an average concentration of 2.7 mg/L. About 57% of groundwater tested has fluoride concentrations more than the maximum permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. The highest concentrations of fluoride were measured in groundwater in the north-eastern part of the Medak region especially in the Siddipeta, Chinnakodur, Nanganoor and Dubhaka regions. The areas are underlain by granites which contain fluoride-bearing minerals like apatite and biotite. Due to water–rock interactions, the fluoride has become enriched in groundwater due to the weathering and leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals. The pH and bicarbonate concentrations of the groundwater are varied from 6.6 to 8.8 and 18 to 527 mg/L, respectively. High fluoride concentration in the groundwater of the study area is observed when pH and the bicarbonate concentration are high. Data plotted in Gibbs diagram show that all groundwater samples fall under rock weathering dominance group with a trend towards the evaporation dominance category. An assessment of the chemical composition of groundwater reveals that most of the groundwater samples have compositions of Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl^? > Ca²⁺–Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? > Ca²⁺–HCO₃ ^? > Na⁺–HCO₃ ^?. This suggests that the characteristics of the groundwater flow regime, long residence time and the extent of groundwater interaction with rocks are the major factors that influence the concentration of fluoride. It is advised not to utilize the groundwater for drinking purpose in the areas delineated, and they should depend on alternate safe source.     

Hydrogeochemical genesis of groundwaters with abnormal fluoride concentrations from Zhongxiang City,Hubei Province,central China

The groundwaters from Zhongxiang City, Hubei Province of central China, have high fluoride concentration up to 3.67 mg/L, and cases of dental fluorosis have been found in this region. To delineate the nature and extent of high fluoride groundwaters and to assess the major geochemical factors controlling the fluoride enrichment in groundwater, 14 groundwater samples and 5 Quaternary sediment samples were collected and their chemistry were determined in this study. Some water samples from fissured hard rock aquifers and Quaternary aquifers have high fluoride concentrations, whereas all karst water samples contain fluoride less than 1.5 mg/L due to their high Ca/Na ratios. For the high fluoride groundwaters in the fissured hard rocks, high HCO₃ ⁻ concentration and alkaline condition favor dissolution of fluorite and anion exchange between OH⁻ in groundwater and exchangeable F⁻ in some fluoride-bearing minerals. For fluoride enrichment in groundwaters of Quaternary aquifers, high contents of fluoride in the aquifer sediments and evapotranspiration are important controls.     

A study on the high fluoride concentration in the magnesium-rich waters of hard rock aquifer in Krishnagiri district, Tamilnadu, India

Excess fluoride in groundwater affects the human health and results in dental and skeletal fluorosis. Higher concentration of fluoride was noted in hard rock terrain of the south India, in the Krishnagiri district of Tamilnadu. The region has a complex geology ranging from ultra basic to acid igneous rocks, charnockite and gneissic rocks. Thirty-four groundwater samples were collected from this study area and analysed for major cations and anions along with fluoride. The order of dominance of cations is Na⁺?>?Mg²⁺?>?Ca²⁺?>?K⁺ and the anions in the following order HCO₃ ^??>?Cl^??>?NO₃ ^??>?SO₄ ^2?. It is found that nearly 58 % of the samples have more fluoride ranging from 1 to 3 mg/L. It is also noted that high fluoride waters correspond to magnesium water types. This is due to the release of fluoride from the magnesium-bearing minerals like, biotite, hornblende, etc., or weathering of apatite/hydroxyapatites found in charnockites.     

Fluoride ion contamination in the groundwater of Mithi sub-district, the Thar Desert, Pakistan

Groundwater samples were collected from various localities of Mithi sub-district of the Thar Desert of Pakistan and analysed for fluoride ion along with other chemical parameters. The area is mainly covered by sand dunes and kaolin/granite at variable depths. Results showed that collected water samples were severely contaminated by the presence of fluoride ion and most of the samples have higher concentration than prescribed WHO standards (1.5 mg/l) for drinking water. Fluoride ion concentrations ranged between 0.09 and 11.63 mg/l with mean and median values of 3.64 and 3.44 mg/l, respectively, in this area whereas, distribution pattern showed high concentrations in the vicinity of Islamkot and Mithi towns. The content of F⁻ has also been correlated with other major ions found in the groundwater of the study area. The positive correlation of F⁻ with Na⁺ and HCO₃ ⁻ showed that the water with high Na⁺ and HCO₃ ⁻ stabilizes F⁻ ions in the groundwater of the Thar Desert. The pH versus F⁻ plots signifies high fluoride concentration at higher pH values, implying that alkaline environment favours the replacement of exchangeable OH⁻ with F⁻ in the groundwater of Mithi area. The saturation indices (SI) of fluorite (CaF₂) and calcite (CaCO₃) in the groundwater samples showed that most of the samples are oversaturated with respect to calcite whereas majority of samples have been found under saturated with respect to fluorite. The log TDS and Na/Na+Ca ratio reflected supremacy of weathering of rocks, which promotes the availability of fluoride ions in the groundwater. Piper diagram has been used to classify the hydrofacies. In the cation triangle, all samples are Na-type, while the anion triangle reflects major dominance of Cl-type with a minor influence of HCO₃ ⁻ and SO₄ ⁻.     

Occurrence and hydrogeochemistry of fluoride in alluvial aquifer of Weihe River,China

Fluoride (F^?) has significant impacts on human health. High fluoride groundwater (up to 1.90 mg/L) has been found in upper confined aquifer underlying the first terrace of Weihe River during a hydrogeological investigation for water supply in 2005. To reveal the occurrence and hydrogeochemistry of high F^? groundwater, hydrogeochemical tools such as saturation index, ionic ratios and correlation analysis were used in this study. The study shows that the concentrations of most physiochemical parameters from phreatic water, influenced by intensive evaporation and anthropogenic activities such as unregulated sewage and excreta disposal and agricultural practices in the area, are higher than those of confined water. The F^? concentration in phreatic water is within the acceptable limits set by China and the World Health Organization (WHO), while that of upper confined water shows a decreasing trend northwestward as the Weihe River approaches, with F^? concentration in the first terrace beyond the national and the WHO standards. High F^? groundwater is observed in alkaline environment associated with high Na⁺, pH, HCO₃ ^? and low Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. The enrichment of F^? is controlled by geologic and hydrogeological conditions, fluorine-bearing minerals presented in alluvial formations and their dissolution/precipitation under the alkaline environment along groundwater flow. Ion exchange, human activities and the mixing of different recharge waters may influence the enrichment of F^? as well.     

Regional appraisal of the fluoride occurrence in groundwaters of Andhra Pradesh

Fluoride (F^?) is essential for normal bone growth, but higher concentration in the drinking water causes health problems which are reported in many states of India. Andhra Pradesh is one of the states which suffer from excess fluoride in groundwater particularly in the hard rock terrain. In this context, a study was conducted in Andhra Pradesh based on chemical analysis of water samples from hydrograph net work stations (dug wells) and exploratory bore wells. The concentration of fluoride in groundwaters ranges from traces to 9.75 mg/l. The occurrence of fluoride is mostly sporadic, uneven and varies with depth. The highly affected districts include Nalgonda and Warangal in Telangana region, Prakasam in coastal region, Anantapur and Kurnool in Rayalaseema region. In certain areas of Nalgonda district, 85% of wells have fluoride more than permissible limit (> 1.5 mg/l) for drinking water. High F^? is present in all the geological formations, predominantly in granitic aquifers, compared to the other formations. The average value of fluoride is high in the deeper zone (1.10 mg/L), compared to the shallow zone (0.69 mg/L). The fluoride-rich minerals present are the main sources for fluoride concentrations in groundwater. Residence time, evapotranspiration and weathering processes are some of the other supplementary factors for high fluoride concentrations in groundwater. Long-term data of hydrograph net work stations (dug wells) reveal that fluoride concentrations do not show any marked change of trend with respect to time. The concentration of fluoride is found to increase with increase of Na⁺and HCO ₃ ^? , and decrease with increase of Ca²⁺. Sodium bicarbonate waters are more effective in releasing fluoride from minerals into groundwater. High fluoride waters are of Na⁺ type. The paper presents a brief account of the study and its results.     

Geochemical evaluation of nitrate and fluoride contamination in varied hydrogeological environs of Prakasam district,southern India

Hydrogeochemical controlling factors for high rate of groundwater contamination in stressed aquifer of fractured, consolidated rocks belonging to semi-arid watershed are examined. The groundwater in mid-eastern part of Prakasam district confining to Musi-Gundlakamma sub-basins is heavily contaminated with nitrate and fluoride. Distinct water chemistry is noticed among each group of samples segregated based on concentration of these contaminants. The nitrate is as high as 594 mg/l and 57 % of the samples have it in toxic level as per BIS drinking water standards, so also the fluoride which has reached a maximum of 8.96 mq/l and 43 % of samples are not fit for human consumption. Nitrate contamination is high in shallow aquifers and granitic terrains, whereas fluoride is in excess concentration in deeper zones and meta-sediments among the tested wells, and 25 % of samples suffer from both NO₃ ^? and F^? contamination. Na⁺ among cations and HCO₃ ^? among anions are the dominant species followed by Mg²⁺ and Cl^?. The NO₃ ^?-rich groundwater is of Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^?, Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl^? and Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? type. The F^?-rich groundwater is dominantly of Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? type and few are of Na⁺–SO₄ ^2? type, whereas the safe waters (without any contaminants) are of Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃ ^?– and Na⁺–HCO₃ ^? types. High molecular percentage of Na⁺, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2? and K^? in NO₃ ^? rich groundwater indicates simultaneous contribution of many elements through domestic sewerage and agriculture activity. It is further confirmed by analogous ratios of commonly associated ions viz NO₃ ^?:Cl^?:SO₄ ^2? and NO₃ ^?:K⁺:Cl^? which are 22:56:22 and 42:10:48, respectively. The F^? rich groundwater is unique by having higher content of Na⁺ (183 %) and HCO₃ ^? (28 %) than safe waters. The K⁺:F^?:Ca²⁺ ratio of 10:5:85 and K⁺:F^?: SO₄ ^2? of 16:7:77 support lithological origin of F^? facilitated by precipitation of CaCO₃ which removes Ca²⁺ from solution. The high concentrations of Na⁺, CO₃ ^? and HCO₃ ^? in these waters act as catalyst allowing more fluorite to dissolve into the groundwater. The indices, ratios and scatter plots indicate that the NO₃ ^? rich groundwater has evolved through silicate weathering-anthropogenic activity-evapotranspiration processes, whereas F^? rich groundwater attained its unique chemistry from mineral dissolution-water–rock interaction-ion exchange. Both the waters are subjected to external infusion of certain elements such as Na⁺, Cl^?, NO₃ ^? which are further aggravated by evaporation processes leading to heavy accumulation of contaminants by raising the water density. Presence of NO₃ ^? rich samples within F^? rich groundwater Group and vice versa authenticates the proposed evolution processes.     

Fluoride levels in the groundwater of the south-eastern part of Ranga Reddy district,Andhra Pradesh,India

The fluoride level in groundwater is controlled by the distribution of Ca²⁺ and SO₄^2?, ionic strength and the presence of complex ions in its composition. In the study area, situated in the Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh, India, the concentrations of fluoride in the groundwater vary from 0.7 to 4.80 mg/l and from 0.4 to 4.20 mg/l during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons respectively. From the correlation coefficient studies, it is observed that fluoride is inversely related with Ca²⁺ and positively related with HCO₃^?, whereas the correlation coefficient between fluoride and other ions is very poor during both seasons. The difference in F^? concentrations between pre- and post-monsoon seasons could be because the ionic concentrations in the groundwater during the post-monsoon period were generally less than their counterparts during the pre-monsoon period, because of dilution by rainwater. By contrast, the fluoride concentration in many places was relatively high during the post-monsoon period. This indicates contamination of groundwater from surface pollutants.     

Fluoride hydrogeochemistry and bioavailability in groundwater and soil of an endemic fluorosis belt,central Iran

Presence of fluoride in groundwater is a public health problem in the so-called endemic fluorosis belt of the central Iran, where the groundwater is the major source of drinking water in most urban and rural areas. Therefore, an attempt has been made to determine the hydrogeochemical factors controlling fluoride enrichment in the groundwater resources at this belt. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.20 to 1.99 mg/L (1.02 ± 0.47) in groundwater samples. The presence of different F-bearing minerals and also clay minerals in the soils and aquifer materials was confirmed using XRD analysis. To identify probable sources of dissolved F^? and investigate groundwater quality, multivariate statistical analyses were carried out. Geochemical modeling indicated that all samples were undersaturated with respect to fluorite, halite, gypsum and anhydrite and mostly oversaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite. Contrary to most high-fluoride regions in the World, the high F^? content was dominated by Na–Cl- and Ca–SO₄-type groundwater in the study area. Besides, fluoride showed negative relationship with pH and HCO₃ ^? in groundwater. In order to assess the bioavailability of fluoride in soils, a two-step chemical fractionation method was applied. The results showed that fluoride in soils mostly accompanied with the residual and water-soluble fractions and was poorly associated with soil’s bonding sites. Calculated aqueous migration coefficient demonstrated that fluoride in the studied soils was mobile to easily leachable to the groundwater. Finally, the results demonstrated that combination of water–rock interaction and influence of clay minerals is geochemical mechanism responsible for controlling fluoride enrichment in groundwater.     

Fluoride-bearing groundwater in Gummanampadu Sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India

The functional factors responsible for fluoride (F^?)-bearing groundwater used for drinking as well as for cooking in the area of Gummanampadu Sub-basin, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India are discussed. The study area is a part of an Archean Gneissic Complex, consisting of banded-biotite-hornblende-gneisses, over which the Proterozoic Cumbhum quartzites, shales, phyllites, and dolomitic limestones occur. The chemistry of groundwater is dominated by carbonates (HCO₃ ^? and CO₃ ^2?) at a higher pH. This results in a higher total alkalinity over total hardness, causing an excess alkalinity. Sodium ion is dominated among the cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺). The concentration of F^? (2.1–3.7 mg/L) is higher than that of desirable national limit (1.2 mg/L) prescribed for drinking purpose. A significant positive correlation exists between F^? and pH as well as that between F^? and HCO₃ ^? + CO₃ ^2?. This indicates that the alkaline condition is the prime conducive factor for dissolving F^?-bearing minerals more effectively leading to a higher concentration of F^? in the groundwater. Furthermore, a positive chloro-alkaline index reflects the ion exchange, and an oversaturation with respect to CaCO₃ indicates the evaporation. In addition, a negative relation between the well depth and F^? shows the effect of solubility and/or leaching of salts in different depth levels. These factors regulate the concentration of F^? in the groundwater. On the other hand, a positive correlation of F^? with SO₄ ^2? as well as with K⁺ shows the human land use activities (namely, use of chemical fertilizers, disposal of domestic wastes, etc.), which add F^? to the groundwater. A significant number of the residents of the study area suffer from the health disorders related to fluorosis, which is a consequence of higher concentration of F^? in the drinking water. Thus, this study emphasizes the need for supply of safe drinking water, nutritional diet, rainwater-harvesting structures, and public education to realize “health for all” motto of World Health Organization.     

Groundwater solute chemistry,hydrogeochemical processes and fluoride contamination in phreatic aquifer of Odisha,India

The work investigates the major solute chemistry of groundwater and fluoride enrichment(F~-) in the shallow phreatic aquifer of Odisha.The study also interprets the hydrogeochemical processes of solute acquisition and the genetic behavior of groundwater F~-contamination.A total of 1105 groundwater samples collected from across the state from different hydro-geomorphic settings have been analyzed for the major solutes and F~-content.Groundwater is alkaline in nature(range of pH: 6.6–8.7; ave.: 7.9) predominated by moderately hard to very hard types.Average cation and anion chemistry stand in the orders of Ca~(2+) Na~+ Mg~(2+) K~+and HCO_3~- Cl~- SO_4~(2-) CO_3~(2-)respectively.The average mineralization is low(319 mg/L).The primary water types are Ca-Mg-HCO_3 and Ca-Mg-Cl~-HCO_3, followed by Na-Cl, Ca-Mg-Cl, and Na-Ca-Mg-HCO_3~-Cl.Silicate-halite dissolution and reverse ion exchange are the significant processes of solute acquisition.Both the geogenic as well as the anthropogenic sources contribute to the groundwater fluoride contamination,etc.The ratio of Na~+/Ca~(2+) 1.0 comprises Na-HCO_3(Cl) water types with F~- 1.0 mg/L(range 1.0–3.5 mg/L)where the F~-bears geogenic source.Positive relations exist between F~-and pH, Na~+, TDS, and HCO_3~-.It also reflects a perfect Na-TDS correlation(0.85).The ratio of Na~+/Ca~(2+) 1.0 segregates the sample population(F~- range: 1.0–4.0 mg/L) with the F derived from anthropogenic sources.Such water types include Ca-Mg-HCO_3(Cl) varieties which are recently recharged meteoritic water types.The F~-levels exhibit poor and negative correlations with the solutes in groundwater.The Na-TDS relation remains poor(0.12).In contrast, the TDS levels show strong correlations with Ca~(2+)(0.91), Mg~(2+)(0.80) and even Cl~-(0.91).The majority of the monitoring points with the anthropogenic sources of groundwater F~-are clustered in the Hirakud Canal Command area in the western parts of the state, indicating the role of irrigation return flow in the F~-contamination.     

Geochemical characteristics and controlling factors of chemical composition of groundwater in a part of Guntur district,Andhra Pradesh,India

A survey on quality of groundwater was carried out for assessing the geochemical characteristics and controlling factors of chemical composition of groundwater in a part of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, India, where the area is underlain by Peninsular Gneissic Complex. The results of the groundwater chemistry show a variation in pH, EC, TDS, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^? and F^?. The chemical composition of groundwater is mainly characterized by Na⁺?HCO₃ ^? facies. Hydrogeochemical type transits from Na⁺–Cl^?–HCO₃ ^? to Na⁺–HCO₃ ^?–Cl^? along the flow path. Graphical and binary diagrams, correlation coefficients and saturation indices clearly explain that the chemical composition of groundwater is mainly controlled by geogenic processes (rock weathering, mineral dissolution, ion exchange and evaporation) and anthropogenic sources (irrigation return flow, wastewater, agrochemicals and constructional activities). The principal component (PC) analysis transforms the chemical variables into four PCs, which account for 87% of the total variance of the groundwater chemistry. The PC I has high positive loadings of pH, HCO₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, K⁺, Mg²⁺ and F^?, attributing to mineral weathering and dissolution, and agrochemicals (nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers). The PC II loadings are highly positive for Na⁺, TDS, Cl^? and F^?, representing the rock weathering, mineral dissolution, ion exchange, evaporation, irrigation return flow and phosphate fertilizers. The PC III shows high loading of Ca²⁺, which is caused by mineral weathering and dissolution, and constructional activities. The PC IV has high positive loading of Mg²⁺ and SO₄ ^2?, measuring the mineral weathering and dissolution, and soil amendments. The spatial distribution of PC scores explains that the geogenic processes are the primary contributors and man-made activities are the secondary factors responsible for modifications of groundwater chemistry. Further, geochemical modeling of groundwater also clearly confirms the water–rock interactions with respect to the phases of calcite, dolomite, fluorite, halite, gypsum, K-feldspar, albite and CO₂, which are the prime factors controlling the chemistry of groundwater, while the rate of reaction and intensity are influenced by climate and anthropogenic activities. The study helps as baseline information to assess the sources of factors controlling the chemical composition of groundwater and also in enhancing the groundwater quality management.     

Hydrogeochemical investigation and groundwater quality assessment of Pratapgarh district,Uttar Pradesh

Hydogrochemical investigation of groundwater resources of Paragraph district has been carried out to assess the solute acquisition processes and water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Fifty-five groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, hardness, major anions (F^?, Cl^?, NO₃, HCO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?) and cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). Study results reveal that groundwater of the area is alkaline in nature and HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, Mg²⁺, Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ are the major contributing ions to the dissolved solids. The hydrogeochemical data suggest that weathering of rock forming minerals along with secondary contributions from agricultural and anthropogenic sources are mainly controlling the groundwater composition of Pratapgarh district. Alkaline earth metals (Ca²⁺+Mg²⁺) exceed alkalis (Na⁺+K⁺) and weak acid (HCO₃ ^?) dominate over strong acids (Cl^?+SO₄ ^2?) in majority of the groundwater samples. Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl-HCO₃ are the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in the groundwater of the area. The computed saturation indices demonstrate oversaturated condition with respect to dolomite and calcite and undersaturated with gypsum and fluorite. A comparison of groundwater quality parameters in relation to specified limits for drinking water shows that concentrations of TDS, F^?, NO₃ ^? and total hardness exceed the desirable limits in many water samples. Quality assessment for irrigation uses reveal that the groundwater is good for irrigation. However, values of salinity, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), %Na and Kelley index are exceeding the prescribed limit at some sites, demanding adequate drainage and water management plan for the area.     

Evaluation of hydrogeochemical processes and groundwater quality in the Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region, India

A base line study involving analysis of groundwater samples from the Jhansi district were carried out to determine the major and trace element chemistry and to assess the hydrogeochemical processes and water quality for domestic and irrigation uses. Study results show that groundwater is mildly acidic to alkaline in nature and HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, Ca²⁺, Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ are the major contributing ions for the dissolved loads. The data plotted on the Gibbs and Piper diagrams reveal that the groundwater chemistry is mainly controlled by rock weathering with secondary contribution from anthropogenic sources. In a majority of the groundwater samples, alkaline earth metals exceed alkalies and weak acid dominate over strong acids. Ca–Mg–HCO₃ is the dominant hydrogeochemical facies in the majority of the groundwater samples. The computed saturation indices demonstrate that groundwater is oversaturated with respect to dolomite and calcite. Kaolinite is the possible mineral that is in equilibrium with the water, implying that the groundwater chemistry favors kaolinite formation. A comparison of groundwater quality parameters in relation to specified limits for drinking water shows that the concentrations of TDS, F^?, NO₃ ^?, total hardness and Fe are exceeding the desirable limits in many water samples. Quality assessment for irrigation uses reveal that the groundwater is of good to suitable category. Higher salinity and residual sodium carbonate values at some sites restrict the suitability of groundwater and need an adequate drainage and water management plan for the area.     

Geochemistry of fluoride rich groundwater in Kolar and Tumkur Districts of Karnataka

Groundwater is a significant water resource in India for domestic, irrigation, and industrial needs. By far the most serious natural groundwater-quality problem in India, in terms of public health, derives from high fluoride, arsenic, and iron concentrations. Hydrogeochemical investigation of fluoride contaminated groundwater samples from Kolar and Tumkur Districts in Karnataka are undertaken to understand the quality and potability of groundwater from the study area, the level of fluoride contamination, the origin and geochemical mechanisms driving the fluoride enrichment. Majority of the groundwater samples did not meet the potable water criteria as they contained excess (>1.5 mg/L) fluoride, dissolved salts (>500 mg/L) and total hardness (75–924 mg/L). Hydrogeochemical facies of the groundwater samples suggest that rock weathering and evaporation–crystallization control the groundwater composition in the study area with 50–67% of samples belonging to the Ca–HCO₃ type and the remaining falling into the mixed Ca–Na–HCO₃ or Ca–Mg–Cl type. The saturation index values indicated that the groundwater in the study area is oversaturated with respect to calcite and under-saturated with respect to fluorite. The deficiency of calcium ion concentration in the groundwater from calcite precipitation favors fluorite dissolution leading to excess fluoride concentration.     

Geochemical processes controlling the elevated fluoride concentrations in groundwaters of the Taiyuan Basin,Northern China

High fluoride groundwater with F⁻ concentration up to 6.20 mg/L occurs in Taiyuan basin, northern China. The high fluoride groundwater zones are mainly located in the discharge areas, especially in places where shallow groundwater occurs (the groundwater depth is less than 4 m). Regional hydrogeochemical investigation indicates that processes including hydrolysis of silicate minerals, cation exchange, and evaporation should be responsible for the increase in average contents of major ions in groundwater from the recharge areas to the discharge areas. The concentration of F⁻ in groundwater is positively correlated with that of HCO₃⁻ and Na⁺, indicating that groundwater with high HCO₃⁻ and Na⁺ contents help dissolve some fluoride-rich minerals. The water samples with high F⁻ concentration generally have relatively higher pH value, implying that alkaline environment favors the replacement of exchangeable F⁻ in fluoride-rich minerals by OH⁻ in groundwater. In addition, the mixing of karst water along the western mountain front and the evaporation may also be important factors for the occurrence of high fluoride groundwater. The inverse geochemical modeling using PHREEQC supports the results of hydrogeochemical analyses. The modeling results show that in the recharge and flow-through area of the northern Taiyuan basin, interactions between groundwater and fluoride-rich minerals are the major factor for the increase of F⁻ concentration, whereas in the discharge area of the northern basin, the evaporation as well as the mixing of karst water has greater contribution to the fluoride enrichment in groundwater.     

Distribution of fluoride in groundwater of Maku area, northwest of Iran

High fluoride groundwater occurs in Maku area, in the north of West Azarbaijan province, northwest of Iran. Groundwater is the main source of drinking water for the area residents. Groundwater samples were collected from 72 selected points including 40 basaltic and 32 nonbasaltic springs and wells, in two stages, during June and August 2006. The areas with high fluoride concentrations have been identified, and the possible causes for its variation have been investigated. Regional hydrogeochemical investigation indicates that water-rock interaction is probably the main reason for the high concentration of ions in groundwater. The concentration of F⁻ in groundwater is positively correlated with that of HCO₃ ⁻ and Na⁺, indicating that groundwater with high HCO₃ ⁻ and Na⁺ concentrations help to dissolve some fluoride-rich minerals. All of the water samples, collected from the basaltic areas do not meet the water quality standards for fluoride concentration and some other parameters. Hence, it is not suitable for consumption without any prior treatment. Inhabitants of the area that obtain their drinking water supplies from basaltic springs and wells are suffering from dental fluorosis. The population of the study area is at a high risk due to excessive fluoride intake especially when they are unaware of the amount of fluoride being ingested due to lack of awareness.     

Occurrence and distribution of fluoride in the groundwater of the Tamiraparani River basin,South India: a geostatistical modeling approach

Fluoride in drinking water has both beneficial and detrimental effects on public health, and a narrow range between .6 and 1.5 mg/L is optimal for consumption. However, natural groundwater sources exceed these guidelines affecting the entire population. This study aims to assess the distribution and controlling factors of fluoride concentration in the Tamiraparani River basin, South India. A total of 124 groundwater samples were analyzed for their fluoride content and other hydrogeochemical parameters. The fluoride concentration in the study area varied from .01 to 1.67 mg/L, and the highest concentrations were measured in the northern and central parts of the study area, which is underlain by charnockites and hornblende biotite gneiss. The sampling indicated (as per the Bureau of Indian Standards) that 53.9% of the area has fluoride concentrations below levels that are protective of teeth from dental caries (<.6 mg/L). .1% of the area is considered to be at risk of dental fluorosis, and the remaining 46% of the area is considered to have fluoride levels at desirable to permissible limit in groundwater. The groundwater in the study area belongs to Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄ and Ca–Mg–HCO₃ types. A positive correlation between fluoride and TDS, Na⁺, K⁺ and HCO₃ ^? indicates its geogenic origin, and positive loading between pH and fluoride shows that alkaline environment enhances the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals into the groundwater. An empirical Bayesian kriging model was applied to interpolate the fluoride concentration in the study area. This geostatistical model is found to be better than other kriging methods, and it yielded an average standard error of .332 and root-mean-square standardized value of .986.