Health risk assessment and prevalence of fluoride in groundwater around the geological diversity of Ambadongar South Gujarat, India

Abstract

Fluoride (F−) in the environment has appealed the contemplation of numerous researchers across the globe; which is an essential element for human health within certain limits and toxic beyond that. Therefore, knowledge of variation of F− is thus a necessity for taking preventative measures. In view of this, 60 samples were collected to study health risk assessment from Ambadongar area representing geological diversities. The F− concentration in the study area varies from 0.43 to 4.25 mg/L with an average of 1.5 mg/L. From which 41% of wells show F− concentration greater than the recommended limit (GRL) of 1.25 to 2.25 mg/L from Basalt, Limestone and alkaline rocks and 43% excess than recommended limit (ERL) of more than 2.25 mg/L from Nephelinite lithology. Out of these, 22% wells are from Sandstone, 7% from Basalt, 26% from limestone and 4% from Carbonatite breccia show F concentration above GRL, whereas 14% from Basalt, 29% from Limestone and 14% from Carbonatite Breccia display that F concentration to be exceeding ERL. Most of the wells show values of total hazard quotients exceeding unity which suggests the possibility of health risk hazard. The hydrogeochemical analysis supports the prevalence of F− and its effect in form of dental fluorosis in the study area. It is envisioned that in addition to the people already affected large fraction of population is at potential risk.