Groundwater is an important water resource in India for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes. Swift unscientific and unsuitable groundwater developments in India suitable to even increasing population, urbanization, industrialization alters. The hydrological and geochemical environment of aquifers leads to groundwater pollution. Groundwater pollution suitable to geogenic and anthropogenic factors causes the groundwater non-potable and utilization of this water lead to health problems. Access of drinking water is measured by the number of people who has a reasonable means of getting an adequate amount of water that is safe for drinking. There is a substantial shortfall in the availability of potable water in less developed countries, primarily arising from contamination and pollution.
Endemic fluorosis is a major health issue occurring due to utilization of fluoride in groundwater is nationally important. Fluoride ion in drinking water is known for both beneficial and detrimental effects on health. It is essential for normal mineralization of bones and formation of dental enamel with presence in small quantity. However, when consumed in higher doses (>1.5mg/l), it leads to dental fluorosis or mottled enamel and excessively high concentration (>3.0mg/l) of fluoride may lead to skeletal fluorosis. Presence of high concentration of fluoride in groundwater is a major problem in many countries as it causes health related problems.
The selected study area is located in Southeastern part of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh. The geographical position of the Peninsula renders it, the driest part of the state and hence, agriculture conditions are more often precarious. The study area mainly exposes peninsular gneisses of Archean age consisting of pink granites, schists, composite gneisses of Dharwar age, intruded by a few pegmatite dykes. The major geomorphic units of the study area are mainly divided into Denudational Hills, Dissected pediments, Pediplain, and alluvium. The important rivers in the district are Penna, Chitravathi, Vedavathi and Hagari. The normal rainfall of the district is 553 mm by which it secures least rainfall when compared to Rayalaseema and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. The area experiences a semiarid climate with a moisture index of 33.7% with mean monthly temperatures of 17°C in January to 42°C in May.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Research
1.2 Research Objectives
1.3 Review of Literature
1.3.1 International Status
1.3.2 National Status
CHAPTER 2: STUDY AREA
2.1 Geomorphology
2.2 Hydrogeology
2.3 Geology
CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Field Work
3.2 Sample Collection
3.3 Experimental Procedures
3.3.1 Determination of Fluoride
3.3.2 Determination of other parameters, methods and instruments
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 Beneficial effects
4.2 Impact of fluoride on human health
4.2.1 Dental Fluorosis
4.2.2 Skeletal Fluorosis
4.3 Total fluoride ingestion
4.4 Nutritional status
4.5 Dietary factors
4.6 Factors affecting the natural fluoride concentrations
4.6.1 Sources
4.7 Fluoride
4.7.1 Dental Fluorosis
4.7.2 Skeletal Fluorosis
4.7.3 Fluoride Hydrogeochemistry
4.8 Spatial analysis of groundwater quality
4.8.1 Fluoride
4.8.2 pH
4.8.3 Electrical Conductivity
4.8.4 Total Dissolved Solids
4.8.5 Total Hardness
4.8.6 Sodium
4.8.7 Potassium
4.8.8 Calcium
4.8.9 Magnesium
4.8.10 Total Alkalinity (CO3- and HCO3-)
4.8.11 Sulphate
4.8.12 Chloride
4.8.13 Nitrate
4.9 Correlation Analysis
4.10 Chemical Classification
4.11 Classification of groundwater for irrigation purpose
4.11.1 Percent Sodium (%Na)
4.11.2 Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC)
4.11.3 Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR)
4.11.4 Piper Tri-linear Diagram
4.12 Defluoridation Techniques
CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusions
5.3 Recommendations
Research Objectives and Focus
The primary research objective of this thesis is to investigate the sources, spatial distribution, and geochemical behavior of fluoride in the groundwater of the Mudigubba, Nallamada, and Kadiri Mandals in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, while simultaneously assessing the health impacts on the local population and identifying effective low-cost defluoridation techniques.
- Hydrogeochemical analysis of fluoride and associated parameters.
- Mapping of fluoride contamination zones using GIS technology.
- Assessment of chronic fluoride exposure and its correlation with dental and skeletal fluorosis.
- Evaluation of groundwater suitability for domestic and irrigation purposes.
- Development of low-cost, locally sourced bioadsorbents for water defluoridation.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1. Beneficial effects:
Fluoride ingestion at moderate levels can reduce the incidence of dental caries and, under certain conditions, promote the development of strong bones (Kaminsky et al., 1990; Heller et al., 1997; Yiming et al., 2001; Rao, 2003; Harrison, 2005; Edmunds and Smedley, 2005; Doull et al., 2006). Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is the mineral deposited in and around the collagen fibrils of skeletal tissues to form bone. When fluoride is present, it replaces hydroxyl ion in the hydroxyapatite structure to form fluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6F2 or Ca10(PO4)6OH,F). This substitution causes a reduction in crystal volume, an increase in structural stability, and a decrease in mineral solubility (Aoba, 1997). Ever since the beneficial effect of fluoride was recognized during the 1930s, researchers have attempted to identify an optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water so as to reduce dental caries. This optimal level is obviously dependent upon the amount of water consumed on a daily basis and any additional sources of fluoride in the diet.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: This chapter establishes the necessity of monitoring groundwater quality, specifically regarding endemic fluorosis and its global and national prevalence.
CHAPTER 2: STUDY AREA: This chapter details the geographical, geological, and hydrogeological characteristics of the Mudigubba, Nallamada, and Kadiri Mandals.
CHAPTER 3: MATERIALS AND METHODS: This chapter explains the methodological approach, including field sampling, analytical techniques, and the use of GIS for data analysis.
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of fluoride concentrations, its impact on health, geochemical interactions, and the evaluation of bioadsorbents for defluoridation.
CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: This chapter synthesizes the research findings and provides practical recommendations for groundwater management and public health initiatives.
Keywords
Groundwater, Fluoride, Anantapur District, Dental Fluorosis, Skeletal Fluorosis, Geochemistry, Hydrogeology, GIS, Water Quality, Defluoridation, Bioadsorbents, Hydrochemical Facies, Irrigation Water, Trace Elements, Public Health
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the geochemical characterization and health impact of fluoride contamination in groundwater within the Mudigubba, Nallamada, and Kadiri Mandals of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
The work centers on the sources of fluoride, its spatial distribution, geochemical behavior, impacts on human health (specifically dental and skeletal fluorosis), and potential remediation strategies through low-cost bioadsorbents.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The main goal is to identify fluoride sources, map contaminated zones, analyze the geochemical relationship between fluoride and other ions, understand health implications, and suggest feasible defluoridation techniques.
Which scientific methods were applied in this research?
The study utilizes field data collection, laboratory analysis of water samples (titrimetry, ion-selective electrodes, spectrophotometry), and Geographical Information System (GIS) tools for mapping and correlation analysis.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body examines the hydrogeological setting, the spatial and temporal distribution of fluoride and other physicochemical parameters, statistical correlations between ions, and the evaluation of irrigation water quality.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
The most relevant keywords include groundwater, fluoride, Anantapur, fluorosis, GIS, hydrochemistry, water quality, and bioadsorbents.
How is the health impact of fluoride assessed in this study?
The impact is assessed by investigating the prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis among school children in the study area and correlating this with the fluoride concentration found in their drinking water sources.
What is the author's suggestion regarding defluoridation?
The author suggests the use of locally available, low-cost bioadsorbents—specifically mint leaves (Pudina)—as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for removing excess fluoride from drinking water.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Bandi Muralidhara Reddy (Autor:in), V. Sunitha (Autor:in), 2015, Geochemistry and Health Impact of Fluoride in Groundwater in parts of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/455534
