Fluoride contamination in groundwater of Birbhum district, West Bengal: A scientific review
Fluoride contamination in groundwater is a pressing environmental and public health issue, particularly in the semi-arid western blocks of Birbhum district, West Bengal. This review explores the extent, geochemical mechanisms, spatial distribution, health impacts, and mitigation strategies related to fluoride in the region. The problem is primarily geogenic, driven by the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals such as fluorapatite and biotite within the district’s Precambrian crystalline rocks. These processes are intensified by high evapotranspiration, low rainfall, and extensive groundwater extraction, especially in blocks like Rajnagar and Dubrajpur. Groundwater fluoride concentrations in some areas exceed the WHO guideline of 1.5 mg/L, resulting in widespread dental and skeletal fluorosis, particularly among children and the elderly. Spatial and seasonal variability is influenced by geology, hydroclimatic conditions, and aquifer characteristics. Despite the availability of defluoridation technologies like the Nalgonda technique, activated alumina filters, and reverse osmosis, implementation challenges persist due to economic, technical, and social barriers. The review highlights critical research gaps in fluoride geochemistry, health risk assessment, and community-level awareness. A multidisciplinary approach combining hydrogeological assessment, public health strategies, and policy intervention is essential to mitigate the crisis and ensure safe drinking water access in fluoride-prone areas of Birbhum.
Fluoride contamination in groundwater is a pressing environmental and public health issue, particularly in the semi-arid western blocks of Birbhum district, West Bengal. This review explores the extent, geochemical mechanisms, spatial distribution, health impacts, and mitigation strategies related to fluoride in the region. The problem is primarily geogenic, driven by the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals such as fluorapatite and biotite within the district’s Precambrian crystalline rocks. These processes are intensified by high evapotranspiration, low rainfall, and extensive groundwater extraction, especially in blocks like Rajnagar and Dubrajpur. Groundwater fluoride concentrations in some areas exceed the WHO guideline of 1.5 mg/L, resulting in widespread dental and skeletal fluorosis, particularly among children and the elderly. Spatial and seasonal variability is influenced by geology, hydroclimatic conditions, and aquifer characteristics. Despite the availability of defluoridation technologies like the Nalgonda technique, activated alumina filters, and reverse osmosis, implementation challenges persist due to economic, technical, and social barriers. The review highlights critical research gaps in fluoride geochemistry, health risk assessment, and community-level awareness. A multidisciplinary approach combining hydrogeological assessment, public health strategies, and policy intervention is essential to mitigate the crisis and ensure safe drinking water access in fluoride-prone areas of Birbhum.
"Fluoride contamination in groundwater of Birbhum district, West Bengal: A scientific review", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.5, Issue 4, page no.518-524, April-2020, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2004095.pdf
Volume 5
Issue 4,
April-2020
Pages : 518-524
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_303983
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2004095
Downloads: 000148
Research Area: Science and Technology
Country: -, -, India
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
