Community De-fluoridation - Experience in Kaiwara Village, Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background and objective: Reverse osmosis technique is an adequate method for treating ground water for reducing the burden of abnormal levels of fluorides. The method protects the general population from diseases associated with high fluoride levels in the body. The objective of the present study was to assess the suitability and sustainability of reverse osmosis technology for community de-fluoridation of water used for cooking and drinking purposes in Kaiwara village, Karnataka. Methodology: This interventional study was conducted between July 2012 and June 2014 at Kaiwara village, Karnataka using reverse osmosis technique for de-fluoridation of water used for drinking and cooking. Complete chemical analysis of water was done before intervention, and processed water supplying the village was tested every six months after intervention for about two years. The variation in chemical concentrations of various components were analysed. Results: The mean baseline level of fluoride in untreated water was 2.075 mg/dl (above the safety limit), which dropped to 0.08 mg/dl at the end of first six months following the intervention, 0.042 mg/dl in 12 months, 0.1 mg/dl at 18 months and 0.01 mg/dl at 24 months after intervention, which were all below the safety limits for India in the treated water. The mean total dissolved solids in the water was 542.25 mg/dl in the untreated water, which dropped to zero after the first six months, remained at zero in the next six months, rose to 120 mg/dl at 18 months and then dropped to 70 mg/dl at 24 months in the treated water. The observed values were reduced significantly. Discussion: The study concluded that it is possible to set up a community de-fluoridation plant using reverse osmosis technique at Kaiwara village, Karnataka which is economically sustainable and acceptable by local population.