Abstract
Fluoride and nitrate are the most widespread toxic pollutant elements present in groundwaters in large parts of India. The study assessed the groundwater quality and non-carcinogenic health risk due to fluoride and nitrate. Groundwaters were alkaline in reaction with the predominance of sulfate > bicarbonate > chloride > nitrate > fluoride. About 83.8% of the samples were poor in water quality and 77 and 93% of the samples had nitrate and fluoride content above the permissible limit for drinking. Principal component analysis suggested that alkaline pH of groundwater was due to presence of high bicarbonate and low calcium concentration (resulting from precipitation of calcium as calcium carbonate), that also favored release of fluoride. Cluster analysis indicated a common source of anions and cations (Na, Ca and Cl) and the influence of anthropogenic activities in groundwater nitrate contamination; but a geogenic source for fluoride and the influence of alkaline water on weathering of fluoride bearing minerals. The hazard quotient for infant, children and adults due to nitrate was 2.8, 2.19 and 2.0 and due to fluoride was 3.39, 2.64 and 2.42 respectively and 99% of the samples were above the cumulative hazard index implicating that groundwater was unsafe for drinking.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.