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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.
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Cause: Natural leaching of fluoride from granite, an igneous rock, into groundwater.
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Definition: Fluoride contamination occurs when fluoride levels in water exceed safe limits (0.5 – 1.5 mg/L as per WHO).
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Geographical Scope: This is a widespread issue, also present in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
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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.
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Health Impacts:
- Dental fluorosis: Tooth enamel damage and discoloration in children.
- Skeletal fluorosis: Crippling bone and joint damage.
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Prevention & Control:
- Water treatment methods: Activated alumina filters, Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration, and the Nalgonda Technique (low-cost).
FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION
