Excess of Fluoride and Nitrate in Ground Water of Rajasthan - Their Health Hazards and Remedial Methods

Abstract

Surface water resources in Rajasthan are not abundant so people are dependent on ground water for theirneeds. Alarmingly excessive pollutants especially fluoride and nitrate in ground water in various districtsof the state is a matter of concern as the increased concentration of fluoride and nitrates is causing harmfuleffects on health. Permissible limit of fluoride and nitrate in ground water is 1.5 ppm and 45 ppm respectively.Excess of fluoride causes severe bone and teeth problems and excess of nitrates causes blue baby disease ininfants. Jalore, Jaipur, Ajmer, Nagaur, Pali, Jodhpur and Sirohi are severely affected districts by fluoridecontamination. Barmer, Churu, Jaisalmer, Ajmer, Alwar, Banswara, Bhilwara, Bikaner, Bundi, Dhaulpur,Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Karauli, Kota, Nagaur, Pali, Rajsamand, Sikar, Tonk are the districtswith high concentration of nitrate in the ground water. Various chemical treatment methods have beendiscussed for the removal of fluoride and nitrates from ground water in the paper but the upmost requirementis to make people aware to minimise those practices that make the water more contaminated of thesepollutants.