High Levels Of Fluoride Research Articles

Pollution level and inhalation exposure of ambient aerosol fluoride as affected by polymetallic rare earth mining and smelting in Baotou, north China

Airborne fluoride associated with total suspended particles (TSP) and respirable particulate (PM10) in the rare earth mining and smelting areas were analyzed during August 2012 and March 2013. In March, average concentrations of fluoride bound to TSP in the mining and smelting areas were 0.598 ± 0.626 μg/m3 and 3.615 ± 4.267 μg/m3, respectively, whereas that in August were 0.699 ± 0.801 μg/m3 and 1.917 ± 2.233 μg/m3, respectively. TSP samples were classified into four categories by different sampling periods and locations using Kohonen's self-organizing map, which demonstrates that high airborne fluoride concentrations in March in the smelting area were probably attributed to industrial emissions from smelting activities and wind-blown dust from tailings pond, influenced by meteorologic parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, precipitation and wind speed. The mean daily amount of fluoride inhaled in the mining and smelting areas were estimated to be in the range of 2.77–57.61 μg/day and 3.39–64.32 μg/day, respectively. These results indicate the high potential exposure level of fluoride inhaled for local residents in the polymetallic mining and smelting areas.

ASSESSMENT OF DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN CHILDREN OF JAIPUR DISTRICT, RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Objective: The objective of the present study was carried out to explore the potential association between fluoride concentration in drinking water and severity of dental fluorosis (DF) in the children.Methods: The study of dental fluorosis (DF) in the children (6-14 years old) was conducted in the two blocks (a) Jamwaramgarh block ;Heerawala, Palera ,Nayabas, Saipur and Birasana, (b) Amber block; Jugalpura, Chitanukalan, Sunder ka bas, Peelwa and Sirsali of Jaipur district, Rajasthan, India of the study villages. Total 150, children were surveyed. The role of fluoride (F) levels in drinking water in the etiology of dental fluorosis (DF) and the cases of dental fluorosis (DF) in both dentitions and teeth were also assessed using DEAN’S classification. The fluoride (F) concentration in source of drinking water was estimated by fluoride (F) ion specific electrode (Thermo Scientific Orion Star A329, USA).Results: The F concentration in (Tube well and Hand pump) water ranges from 0.7 to 15.0 parts per million (ppm) in Jamwaramgarh block and 1.40 to 5. 10 parts per million (ppm) in Amber block. Prevalence of dental fluorosis (DF) 27 (36%) in Jamwaramgar block and 26 (34.66%) in Amber block out of 75 children were examined in each block. Significantly increase in levels of F in drinking water is positively correlated with dental fluorosis.Conclusion: This study finding has shown the relation of dental fluorosis (DF) to high fluoride (F) levels in drinking water sources. A higher fluoride (F) levels in source of drinking water is a major risk factor for dental fluorosis. In view of the severity of the problem the intake of calcium rich foods and defluoridation techniques may help reducing risk of dental fluorosis (DF) in the children.

Quality of groundwater resources in Afghanistan.

Water is the main source of energy production and economy in Afghanistan where agriculture accounts for more than 50% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Access to safe drinking water is still a problem in the country, which has caused different health issues and even child mortality especially in rural areas. Groundwater is the main source of drinking water in the country. However, little knowledge is available about the quality of groundwater throughout the entire country, and its quality has not been investigated extensively yet like in other countries in the world. While most people think that consuming groundwater is a reliable and safe source of drinking water for health, the United Nations (UN) agencies report various kinds of waterborne diseases and even child mortalities due to drinking water quality in the country. In this article, significant geogenic and anthropogenic factors that play a vital role in groundwater contamination of the country are identified and explained. Different geogenic contaminations such as arsenic, fluoride, sulfate, and boron occur in several areas of Afghanistan that have a direct effect on human health. The water quality mapping for Afghanistan is completed for half of the country, which shows that groundwater is plagued by high levels of fluoride and arsenic in some areas. The water quality mapping of the other half of the country cannot be completed due to security concerns currently. Also, there are different kinds of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery that can be seen in different parts of the country because of anthropogenic activities which continuously deteriorate groundwater.

Erratum to: Sodium fluoride influences calcium metabolism resulting from the suppression of osteoclasts in the scales of nibbler fish Girella punctata

The influence of sodium fluoride (NaF) on calcium metabolism was examined in nibbler fish (marine teleosts). Two days after the administration of NaF (5 μg/g of body weight) (around 10−4 M in fish), we showed that plasma calcium levels significantly decreased in NaF-treated nibbler fish. In addition, we detected fluoride in the treated scales by use of a scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, indicating that NaF directly affects their scales. Therefore, the influence of NaF on osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the scales was examined. In the scales of NaF-injected nibbler fish, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (osteoclastic marker enzyme) decreased, although alkaline phosphatase (osteoblastic marker enzyme) was activated. To confirm the effect of NaF on osteoclasts, furthermore, the mRNA expressions of osteoclastic markers (matrix metalloproteinase-9 and TRAP) were decreased significantly 2 days after incubation. In barred knifejaws, plasma calcium levels decreased as they did in nibbler fish. Therefore, NaF functions in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts and then influences calcium metabolism in marine fish. In the marine environment, high levels of fluoride (1.2–1.5 mg F−/l) (around 10−5–10−4 M) are present in seawater. It is probable that teleosts living in seawater efficiently use fluoride to regulate their blood calcium levels.

Prevalence and severity of genu valgum among school children aged 6-12 years in rural South India

Background: Fluorine is the most abundant element in nature, and about 96% of fluoride in the human body is found in bones and teeth. Fluorosis is caused by exposure to a continuous high level of fluoride for a long time leads to dental and skeletal deformities. Study was done to assess the prevalence and severity of genu valgum among the school children in rural Koppal. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out among all the students, in the age group 6-12 years in Koppal taluk from August 2016 to December 2016. Data was compiled, tabulated and analyzed using proportions and chi-square test. Results: The total school children enrolled in study 1722, the mean age group was 9.24. 31.4 % were in the age group of 10-11, Male students constituted about 45.1%. Majority of the students had nuclear family in their house (59.8%). Almost half of the study subjects were in class III socio-economic status (42.7%).The prevalence of genu valgum was 11.2%. Conclusions: The study finding interprets the prevalence of genu valgum is high in the community.

Sodium fluoride influences calcium metabolism resulting from the suppression of osteoclasts in the scales of nibbler fish Girella punctata

The influence of sodium fluoride (NaF) on calcium metabolism was examined in nibbler fish (marine teleosts). Two days after the administration of NaF (5 μg/g of body weight) (around 10−4 M in fish), we showed that plasma calcium levels significantly decreased in NaF-treated nibbler fish. In addition, we detected fluoride in the treated scales by use of a scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, indicating that NaF directly affects their scales. Therefore, the influence of NaF on osteoblasts and osteoclasts in the scales was examined. In the scales of NaF-injected nibbler fish, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (osteoclastic marker enzyme) decreased, although alkaline phosphatase (osteoblastic marker enzyme) was activated. To confirm the effect of NaF on osteoclasts, furthermore, the mRNA expressions of osteoclastic markers (matrix metalloproteinase-9 and TRAP) were decreased significantly 2 days after incubation. In barred knifejaws, plasma calcium levels decreased as they did in nibbler fish. Therefore, NaF functions in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts and then influences calcium metabolism in marine fish. In the marine environment, high levels of fluoride (1.2–1.5 mg F−/l) (around 10−5–10−4 M) are present in seawater. It is probable that teleosts living in seawater efficiently use fluoride to regulate their blood calcium levels.

FLUORIDE IN GROUNDWATER AND ITS EFFECTS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Fluoride contents higher than the permissible levels lead to negative effects on the human health. More than 200 million people in the world were adversely affected from the fluoride. Fluoride levels in water were higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended level. Endemic fluorosis originating from the consumption of high fluorine water was observed also in some parts of Anatolia. Volcanic formations are found in areas with high fluoride concentrations in ground waters. In this study, fluoride concentration of water was researched in Åžanlıurfa where comprised generally sedimental formations and where the fluorosis cases were identified on the primary school students. High fluoride levels were assigned in water samples from the wells in Sarım and KarataÅŸ villages in Åžanlıurfa. Keywords: Fluoride, hydrogeochemistry, dental fluorosis, Åžanlıurfa  Â

Heavy metal contamination, major ion chemistry and appraisal of the groundwater status in coastal aquifer, Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India

A total of 228 groundwater samples were collected at a depth of 10–30 feet below ground level (bgl) during one year period from nineteen wells around Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, India which is known for nuclear installations. The studied aquifer mainly constitutes of sand and weathered charnockite with thickness varying from 3 to 12m and is of unconfined nature. Physical parameters, major ions, and heavy metals level were compared with guideline values and water quality index. The order of dominance of cations and anions were; Na+>Ca+2>Mg+2>K+ and HCO3−>Cl−>NO3−>SO4−2>PO4−3>Br−>F−. Four major water types (Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Na-HCO3 and mixed Ca-Mg-Cl) were observed. Alkali metals (Na++K+) exceeded the alkaline earth (Ca+2+Mg+2) and weak acid (HCO3−) exceeded the strong acid (Cl−+SO4−). The order of heavy metals was Zn>Fe>Mn>Ni>Cu. Bureau of Indian Standards compliance of total dissolved solids (26–27%), total alkalinity (35–44%), total hardness (24–27%) and nitrate (41–43%) indicated that most of the samples exceeded the acceptable limit for drinking water. High nitrate level with an average of 104.5mg/l (82% samples exceeded BIS limit) was observed in the central part of the study area (between Kalpakkam township and nuclear site) and ascribed to the influence of domestic sewage and septic tank effluents. Observed low fluoride values in this study (avg. 0.1mg/l) contradicted the earlier report of high level of fluoride from this location. Based on the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI), the water quality was classified as marginal to excellent class with a majority falling under fair category. Except for 4–5 wells which were categorized as marginal, the water quality in other wells was suitable for drinking. The studied wells formed spatial distinct groups based on the water quality ranking. The present study provides a comprehensive status of groundwater quality in terms of its suitability for human consumption.

Hydrochemical Characteristics of Groundwater Quality with Special Reference to Fluoride Concentration in Parts of Mulugu-Venkatapur Mandals, Warangal District, Telangana

ABSTRACT Hydrochemical studies were carried out in Mulugu-Venkatapur Mandals of Warangal district, Telangana state, India to find out the causes of high fluorides in groundwater and surface water causing a widespread incidence of fluorosis in local population. The fluoride concentration in groundwater ranges from 0.28 to 5.48 mg/l with a mean of 1.26 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 0.21 to 4.43 mg/l with a mean 1.45 mg/l in post-monsoon. About 32% and 34% of samples in pre and post-monsoon containing fluoride concentrations that exceed the permissible limit. The Modified Piper diagram reflects that, water belong to Ca+2-Mg+2-HCO3− to Na+-HCO3− facies. Negative chloroalkali indices in both the seasons prove that ion exchange took place between Na+ & K+ with Ca+2 and Mg+2 in aquatic solution in host rock. Different plots for major ions and molar ratios suggest that weathering of silicate rocks and water-rock interaction is responsible for major ion chemistry of water. High fluoride content in groundwater attributed to continuous water-rock interaction during the process of percolation with fluorite bearing country rocks under arid, low precipitation, and high evaporation conditions. The low calcium content in rocks and soils, and the presence of high content of sodium bicarbonate in soils and waters are important factors favouring high levels of fluoride in waters. The basement rocks provide abundant mineral sources of fluoride in the form of amphibole, biotite, fluorite, mica and apatite.

Validating a High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Ion Chromatography (HPLC-IC) Method with Conductivity Detection After Chemical Suppression for Water Fluoride Estimation.

A variety of methods, including the Ion Selective Electrode (ISE), have been used for estimation of fluoride levels in drinking water. But as these methods suffer many drawbacks, the newer method of IC has replaced many of these methods. The study aimed at (1) validating IC for estimation of fluoride levels in drinking water and (2) to assess drinking water fluoride levels of villages in and around Vellore district using IC. Forty nine paired drinking water samples were measured using ISE and IC method (Metrohm). Water samples from 165 randomly selected villages in and around Vellore district were collected for fluoride estimation over 1year. Standardization of IC method showed good within run precision, linearity and coefficient of variance with correlation coefficient R2=0.998. The limit of detection was 0.027ppm and limit of quantification was 0.083ppm. Among 165 villages, 46.1% of the villages recorded water fluoride levels >1.00ppm from which 19.4% had levels ranging from 1 to 1.5ppm, 10.9% had recorded levels 1.5-2ppm and about 12.7% had levels of 2.0-3.0ppm. Three percent of villages had more than 3.0 ppm fluoride in the water tested. Most (44.42%) of these villages belonged to Jolarpet taluk with moderate to high (0.86-3.56ppm) water fluoride levels. Ion Chromatography method has been validated and is therefore a reliable method in assessment of fluoride levels in the drinking water. While the residents of Jolarpet taluk (Vellore distict) are found to be at a high risk of developing dental and skeletal fluorosis.

An optimization study for defluoridation from synthetic fluoride solution using scale of Indian major carp Catla (Catla catla): An Unconventional Biosorbent

Higher level of fluoride (F) in underground water has become a tremendous problem worldwide. The present study explores the feasibility of fish scale dust for removal of F from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by SEM, FTIR and pHZPC. Various operating variables (pH, adsorbent dose, initial fluoride concentration, agitation speed, contact time and temperature) and their combined effect on removal of fluoride was assessed by using computerise software model known as Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimized values of initial concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time for fluoride adsorption were found as 8.49mg/L; 9.93; 2.26g/100mL and 179.72min, respectively. Among the equilibrium isotherms, Langumir model was found to be the best fitted one suggesting homogeneous mode of F biosorption on fish scale. Kinetic studies showed better applicability of pseudo-second-order model. The results also suggest the thermodynamic feasibility of fluoride adsorption. Therefore, fish scale powder could be used as a potential adsorbent for F containing aqueous solution.

Probabilistic risk assessment of Chinese residents' exposure to fluoride in improved drinking water in endemic fluorosis areas

Studies have yet to evaluate the effects of water improvement on fluoride concentrations in drinking water and the corresponding health risks to Chinese residents in endemic fluorosis areas (EFAs) at a national level. This paper summarized available data in the published literature (2008–2016) on water fluoride from the EFAs in China before and after water quality was improved. Based on these obtained data, health risk assessment of Chinese residents' exposure to fluoride in improved drinking water was performed by means of a probabilistic approach. The uncertainties in the risk estimates were quantified using Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis. Our results showed that in general, the average fluoride levels (0.10–2.24 mg/L) in the improved drinking water in the EFAs of China were lower than the pre-intervention levels (0.30–15.24 mg/L). The highest fluoride levels were detected in North and Southwest China. The mean non-carcinogenic risks associated with consumption of the improved drinking water for Chinese residents were mostly accepted (hazard quotient < 1), but the non-carcinogenic risk of children in most of the EFAs at the 95th percentile exceeded the safe level of 1, indicating the potential non-cancer-causing health effects on this fluoride-exposed population. Sensitivity analyses indicated that fluoride concentration in drinking water, ingestion rate of water, and the exposure time in the shower were the most relevant variables in the model, therefore, efforts should focus mainly on the definition of their probability distributions for a more accurate risk assessment.

Comparative Evaluation of Dental and Skeletal Fluorosis in an Endemic Fluorosed District, Salem, Tamil Nadu.

Background:High levels of fluoride in the drinking water, especially ground water, results in skeletal fluorosis which involves the bone and major joints. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis to compare with dental fluorosis in an endemically fluorosed population in the District of Salem, Tamil Nadu.Materials and Methods:Institutional ethical clearance was obtained. A total of 206 patients who reported to the Department of Hematology for blood investigations were the participants in this study. Age, sex, place, weight, height, dental fluorosis, and skeletal complaints were noted down. Body mass index was calculated, and statistical analysis was performed.Results:Dental fluorosis was present in 63.1% and absent in 36.9% of the samples reported. Skeletal fluorosis was present in 24.8% and was absent in 75.2%. A large number of the patients had knee pain and difficulty in bending. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Skeletal fluorosis and age were compared and P value was 0.00 and was significant. Dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis were compared and P value was found to be 0.000 and significant.Discussion and Conclusion:There is a need to take measures to prevent dental and skeletal fluorosis among the residents of Salem district. Calcium balance should be maintained, and fluoride intake should be minimized to reduce the symptoms. The government should provide water with low fluoride level for drinking and cooking. Once the symptoms develop, treatment largely remains symptomatic, using analgesics and physiotherapy.

Fluoride Levels in Surface and Groundwater in Africa: A Review

Fluoride has been reported to be among natural pollutant of water in Africa. High fluoride levels beyond the recommended World Health Organization limit of 1.5 mg/l has been observed in various Africa countries. However, the information is scattered in different publication medium. Therefore, objective of this work was to put together the information on fluoride levels in surface and groundwater in Africa, and describe the status and distribution of fluoride in water among African countries. This study assembled the secondary data of fluoride concentrations in surface and groundwater from the various literatures in African countries. Such countries represent southern, northern, eastern and western Africa. Descriptive statistics was used and results showed that elevated fluoride concentration occurred in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, Sudan, Uganda, the Republic of South Africa and Ethiopia. The highest fluoride concentration reported was 2,800 mg/l in Lake Nakuru in Kenya. The high fluoride concentrations in water can be linked to volcanic activities, presence of thermal waters especially those with high pH, gases emitted from earth’s crust, granitic and gneissic rocks. The high fluoride in water is severe in countries located in East African Rift Valley like Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. However, all the incidences of highest fluoride levels in water in the Rift Valley countries were found in surface water bodies. This is contrary, as it is expected groundwater to be more concentrated as compared to surface water due to more water rock interaction than in surface water bodies. There was no single study among many studies has reported the long term trend of concentration of fluoride in water with time. Thus, the effort to establish long term trend of fluoride concentration in water should be taken in consideration. This helps to predict future concentration of fluoride and possibility to minimize future risks. Also, fluorosis has also been reported to be endemic in fluoritic areas of Africa though, little is known on other fluoride negative effects. Therefore, more efforts should concentrate on finding appropriate defluoridation techniques to be applied while considering the cost of operation, efficiency, practicability, easy application and environmental friendly.

Experimental Investigations on Fluoride Removal from Water Using Nanoalumina-Carbon Nanotubes Blend

Fluoride is the most abundant, highly electronegative and geogenic contaminant in groundwater worldwide. Among the water quality parameters, the fluoride ion is unique in that it is beneficial to health if its concentration in water is within a threshold value (1.0 - 1.5 mg/l) and is detrimental (>2 ppm) if present in excess (WHO, 2006). High fluoride levels in drinking water has become a critical health hazard of this century as it induces intense impact on human health including skeletal and dental fluorosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of nanoalumina-carbon nanotubes blend as a sorbent for the removal of excess fluoride from water. Batch studies were conducted to assess the influence of various operational parameters viz. pH, temperature, agitation time, adsorbent dosage and presence of interfering ions. From the studies, it was clear that the rate of adsorption was initially rapid and attains equilibrium gradually in about 100 min. The presence of interfering ions such as chlorides and sulphates has very little effect on fluoride removal by nanoalumina-carbon nanotubes blend. Analysis of the equilibrium data fitted the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms very well. The results of the study appear to be quite promising in the sense that they demonstrate the capability of nanoalumina-carbon nanotubes blend for removing fluorides from drinking water.

Impact of Dental Fluorosis, Socioeconomic Status and Self-Perception in Adolescents Exposed to a High Level of Fluoride in Water.

Objective: To identify adolescents’ self-perception of dental fluorosis from two areas with different socioeconomic levels. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted with 15-year-old youths by applying a questionnaire designed and validated to assess self-perceptions of dental fluorosis in two areas with different socioeconomic statuses (SESs). Fluorosis was clinically evaluated by applying the Thylstrup and Fejerkov (TF) index on the upper front teeth. Results: A total of 308 adolescents were included in the study. The medium-SES population, which was exposed to 2.5 ppm of fluoride in water, and the low-SES population, which was exposed to 5.1 ppm, presented the following levels of dental fluorosis: TF 2–3 (50%), TF 4–5 (45.6%) and TF 6–7 (4.4%) for medium SES and TF 2–3 (12.3%), TF 4–5 (67.1%) and TF 67 (20.6%) for low SES. A significant association was found between self-perception and dental fluorosis in those with medium and low SESs (p < 0.05). The multiple regression model found differences between TF levels and self-perception, with a 6–7 TF level for concerns about color (OR = 1.6), smile (OR = 1.2) and appearance (OR = 3.36). Conclusions: Self-perceptions of dental fluorosis affect adolescents such that adolescents with a medium SES have more negative perceptions than those with a low SES. Such perceptions increase as the TF index increases.

Haematological evaluation of sodium fluoride toxicity in oryctolagus cunniculus.

Blood is promptly affected by environmental pollutants and toxicants that can cause many metabolic disorders. The high level of fluoride acts as a potential pollutant, insecticide and rodenticide with very high toxicity, associated with the hematological damage. This study aimed to determine the toxicity of Sodium Fluoride on hematological parameters in Oryctolagus cunniculus. Twenty rabbits were acclimatized and divided in to control group and three experimental groups.Experimental group-I, II and III were treated with 10, 30 and 50 mg/kg body weight doses of Sodium Fluoride orally. Various blood parameters such as TEC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, TLC and PLT count were investigated. Result findings showed that values of blood indices in experimental groups were significantly lower than the control group. Oneway ANOVA was applied for statistical analysis. The outcomes of the current studies indicated the reduction in RBC counts (anemia), leukocyte count (leukocytopenia), monocytosis, eosinopenia, neutrophilia and thrombocytosis on fluoride intoxication. Hematological disruptions like microcytic hypochromic anemia and decreased leukocyte count may be linked to the inflammatory effects of Sodium Fluoride on lymphatic organs.

Natural Banana (Musa acuminate) Peel: an Unconventional Adsorbent for Removal of Fluoride from Aqueous Solution through Batch Study

Higher level of fluoride in underground water is a burning problem in many parts of the world. Continuous ingestion of fluoride containing water leads to fluorosis. In the present work, natural banana (Musa acuminate) peel (NBP), an unconventional adsorbent, has been explored for removal of fluoride from aqueous system. The NBP was characterized by using SEM, FTIR, and point of zero charge. In the batch study, maximum fluoride removal was achieved at the pH 4.0 (pHZPC 5.63), taking about 60 min to attain equilibrium. Kinetics data were fitted with a pseudo-second-order (R 2 = 0.99) and Bahangam models (R 2 = 1.00). The experimental data fitted well to a D-R adsorption isotherm (R 2 = 0.995). Thermodynamic data suggests that the adsorption of fluoride on NBP is an exothermic reaction. Therefore, the results suggest that natural banana peel dust could be a cost-effective, eco-friendly adsorbent for removal of fluoride from aqueous medium.

Assessment of arsenic, fluoride, bacteria, and other contaminants in drinking water sources for rural communities of Kasur and other districts in Punjab, Pakistan

High levels of arsenic contamination in drinking water of two villages, Badarpur and Ibrahimabad of district Kasur, central Punjab, Pakistan is reported first time in present studies. Groundwater quality situation was found to be impaired when samples of different rural areas of district Kasur were monitored according to Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) for all significant water quality constituents and analyzed for trace elements, physico-chemical, and microbiological parameters. Out of 35water sources, 97% were found unsafe and only 3% of the sources were within safe limits. High concentrations of arsenic, fluoride, and bacteria were found in 91, 74, and 77% sources of drinking water, respectively. Very high concentrations of arsenic ranging 58-3800μg/L were found in the water samples obtained from Badarpur and Ibrahimabad. A decrease in water contamination was observed with increase in source depth. The health issues like arsenicosis and skeletal/dental flourosis were observed in the residents of the monitored areas. Drinking water quality conditions of some rural areas of northen and southern districts of Punjab was also analyzed and compared with Kasur district. High levels of nitrates were found in the samples of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while high levels of arsenic, iron, fluoride, and TDS were found in Bahawalpur district. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Assessment of fluoride contamination in groundwater from Basara, Adilabad District, Telangana State, India

The major objective of this study was to locate the vulnerable areas in terms of fluoride contamination. A total of 34 groundwater samples were collected from major drinking water sources in rural areas of Basara, Telangana, and studied with reference to the distribution and hydrogeochemistry of fluoride. The geochemical trend of groundwater in the study area demonstrates that sodium is the dominant cation (Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+) and chloride is the dominant anion (Cl– > HCO3– > SO42– > CO32– > NO3– > F–). The fluoride concentration varied from 0.06 to 4.33 (1.13 ± 0.90) mg L−1 with the highest fluoride level at Karegaon village (4.33 mg L−1). Seven locations showed the presence of fluoride in excess of permissible levels.