FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION

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  • Problem: Excessive fluoride contamination in groundwater affecting nearly 2 lakh people in 120 hamlets of Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Sonbhadra district.

  • Cause: Natural leaching of fluoride from granite, an igneous rock, into groundwater.

  • Definition: Fluoride contamination occurs when fluoride levels in water exceed safe limits (0.5 – 1.5 mg/L as per WHO).

  • Geographical Scope: This is a widespread issue, also present in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.

  • Sources of Contamination:

    • Natural: Weathering of fluoride-rich rocks and volcanic activity.
    • Industrial: Emissions from industries like aluminum, steel, and fertilizer production.
    • Agricultural: Use of phosphate fertilizers and pesticides.
    • Coal combustion: Burning coal releases fluoride.

  • Health Impacts:

    • Dental fluorosis: Tooth enamel damage and discoloration in children.
    • Skeletal fluorosis: Crippling bone and joint damage.

  • Prevention & Control:

    • Water treatment methods: Activated alumina filters, Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration, and the Nalgonda Technique (low-cost).