Geochemistry and role of calcium for the availability of fluoride in the groundwater of Pappireddipatti Block, Dharmapuri district

Water is the most precious gift of nature for sustaining life and environment. The most unusual characteristic of water is its ability to dissolve a greater range of substances than any other liquid. The slow percolation of water through the ground results in prolonged contact of water with minerals in the soil and bedrock. India is one of the richest countries in the world for occurring fluoride bearing minerals. The study area is enriched with a variety of fluoride bearing minerals and groundwater is used as the major source for drinking and irrigation purposes. The geochemistry of the study area is very much favorable for the release of Fluoride ion into the groundwater. Many locations of the study area bear fluoride concentrations moderately higher than the WHO permissible limit. The higher pH, enhanced alkalinity, carbonate values and low calcium with respect to WHO standard indicates the fluoride leaching mechanism and also explain the rock-water interaction. Large numbers of people living in this region were affected by fluorosis

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