FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER

  • February 28, 2022
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER

TOPIC: Environment

Context- Continued fluoride contamination of groundwater is a glaring public health issue in central India.

Concept-

Fluoride Contamination:

  • Fluoride is a chemical element that is found most frequently in groundwater and has become one of the most important toxicological environmental hazards globally.
  • The occurrence of fluoride in groundwater is due to weathering and leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals from rocks and sediments.
  • Fluoride when ingested in small quantities (<0.5 mg/L) is beneficial in promoting dental health by reducing dental caries, whereas higher concentrations (>1.5 mg/L) may cause fluorosis.
  • Although the surface water is less contaminated, tubewells pump out water that contains high fluoride content.
  • Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and West Bengal are the relatively high-fluoride-contaminated states in India.
  • Dark yellow pigmentation of their teeth – a common visible sign of excessive ingestion of fluoride.
  • Fluoride contamination leads to damaged joints, bone deformities, flurosis.
Environment