Fluoride Distribution in Drinking Groundwater in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Hydrofluorosis caused by fluoride-rich water was predominantly restricted in Rajasthan, India before the commencement of guinea-worm (Dracunculus medinensis) eradication programme in 1986. During implication of the programme, numerous bore-and tube-wells fitted with hand pumps were dug in villages even in the remote areas of the state, simultaneously closing down the traditional step/open-wells which were used as drinking water sources. Groundwater from tube-and bore-wells drawn from deeper sources in all the 33 districts of Rajasthan is found contaminated with varying amounts of fluoride (F), with most containing F above the maximum acceptable limits of 1.0-1.5 ppm. As a result, hydrofluorosis has become more rampant in rural Rajasthan. Extreme large amounts of F in potable water sources were detected in desert districts located in western Rajasthan (Thar Desert region). The findings of this article show how a well-intentioned medical health programme has led to the spread of another disease (hydrofluorosis) in Rajasthan. These findings can play an important role in the formulation and implementation of a health policy at the state level for mitigation and prevention of endemic hydrofluorosis.

Fluoride contamination in wetlands of Kuttanad, India: Predisposing edaphic factors

“…humans (Annadurai et al, 2014;Choubisa, 2018a;Kabir et al, 2019;Dharmaratne, 2019) and animals (Choubisa, 2018b;Panchal and Sheikh, 2017;Yuan et al, 2019). In plants elevated levels of Fexposure reduces germination, growth and productivity (Chakrabarti et al, 2013;Tyagi et al, 2017;Ahmed et al, 2019).…”

“…It is well-known that Fis beneficial for humans and other animals in small quantities (Underwood, 1977;Adriano, 1986) as it is an essential element required for the integrity of teeth and bones (Jha et al, 2011). However, ingestion of elevated level of F -, has a harmful effect, causing dental and skeletal fluorosis in humans (Annadurai et al, 2014;Choubisa, 2018a;Kabir et al, 2019;Dharmaratne, 2019) and animals (Choubisa, 2018b;Panchal and Sheikh, 2017;Yuan et al, 2019). In plants elevated levels of Fexposure reduces germination, growth and productivity (Chakrabarti et al, 2013;Tyagi et al, 2017;Ahmed et al, 2019).…”

Histological effects of chronic sodium fluoride toxicity on some reproductive organs of male and female adult albino rats

“…Fluoride is a natural element existing in the environment, prolonged exposure to fluoride (F) in air, soil and water, resulting in accumulation of these ions in the body by forming salts, mainly in the bones so that fluoride level above 3-6 mg/L may lead to skeletal fluorosis and in teeth, the level above 1.5 mg/L lead to dental fluorosis in both human beings and domestic animals (1,2). Fluoride has both useful and mischievous effects on public health; several studies indicate that fluoride in low concentration is fundamental for both man and animals especially for growth and development of teeth and bones (3) chronic exposure to fluoride have disruptive effects on various tissues of body like apoptosis, neurological disorder, gastrointestinal disturbances and reproductive system dysfunctions, hemorrhage and cardiac arrest (1,4).…”

Frequency of Dental Fluorosis in Population Drinking Water with High Fluoride Level in Thar

“…12 There have been various studies mentioning the excessive level of fluoride preset in the drinking water of Thar district. 1,[13][14][15][16] The native individuals are at high risk of developing dental fluorosis. However, the literature search reveals scarcity of data on dental fluorosis.…”