FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: After new government report on ‘excess fluoride’ in Sonbhadra’s groundwater, its residents say they are getting sicker
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
India faces severe groundwater pollution due to natural and human-induced fluoride contamination, affecting millions across 23 states. Excess fluoride causes serious health issues like fluorosis, prompting government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission to provide safe drinking water.
Groundwater Pollution and Fluoride Contamination in India
1. Importance of Groundwater in India:
• Groundwater is a lifeline for India’s water security, especially in rural and agricultural sectors.
• 85% of rural and 50% of urban drinking water needs are met by groundwater.
• Supports nearly 60% of India’s irrigation, making it vital for food security and rural livelihoods.
• The increasing demand due to population growth, industrialisation, and agriculture has led to over-extraction and pollution.
2. Groundwater Pollution – Overview:
• Pollution of groundwater occurs when harmful substances infiltrate into the aquifers through:
• Leaching from contaminated soil
• Discharge of untreated industrial and domestic effluents
• Excessive use of agro-chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers
• Common pollutants found in Indian groundwater:
• Heavy metals: Lead, chromium, arsenic
• Chemical toxins: Fluoride, nitrates, pesticides
• Industrial waste and sewage
• Contaminated groundwater is often odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making detection difficult without testing.
3. Fluoride Pollution – Key Facts:
• Fluoride is beneficial in small amounts (0.5 to 1.0 mg/L) for dental health.
• However, excessive intake (>1.5 mg/L) leads to serious health disorders, mainly fluorosis.
• WHO safe limit: 0.5 to 1.5 mg/L of fluoride in drinking water.
• India is among the worst-affected countries, with:
• Over 200 districts in 23 states reporting high fluoride levels.
• Severely affected states include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka.
4. Sources of Fluoride in Groundwater:
A. Natural (Geogenic) Sources:
• Geological formations:
• Certain Indian regions have fluoride-rich rocks (e.g., granite, basalt).
• As groundwater percolates through these rocks, fluoride dissolves and accumulates.
• Example: In Sonbhadra district (Uttar Pradesh), granite rocks leach excess fluoride into the groundwater.
• Hot and arid climates:
• States like Rajasthan and Gujarat have high evaporation rates and low rainfall.
• This causes fluoride concentration to increase in stagnant or deep aquifers.
B. Anthropogenic (Man-Made) Sources:
• Industrial waste:
• Industries like aluminum smelting, glass and ceramic manufacturing, steel production, and fertilizer factories discharge fluoride-containing effluents.
• Agricultural inputs:
• Overuse of phosphate fertilizers leads to fluoride accumulation in soil and leaching into groundwater.
• Coal combustion:
• Burning high-fluoride coal in power plants releases fluoride into the air, which later settles into water bodies through rain.
5. Health Impacts of Fluoride Pollution:
A. Fluorosis:
• A non-fatal but debilitating condition caused by long-term fluoride ingestion.
• Types:
• Dental fluorosis: Visible as yellow or brown stains on teeth, mostly in children.
• Skeletal fluorosis: Leads to joint pain, bone deformities, stiffness, reduced mobility, especially in adults.
• Common in children in rural and tribal areas due to prolonged use of contaminated water.
B. Neurological Effects:
• Studies suggest excessive fluoride exposure may reduce IQ levels in children, affecting cognitive development.
C. Kidney and Thyroid Damage:
• Chronic fluoride toxicity is linked to:
• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
• Thyroid dysfunction, leading to hormonal imbalances and metabolism issues.
6. Government Initiatives to Address Fluoride Contamination:
A. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF) – 2008:
• Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Aim: To prevent, diagnose, and manage fluorosis cases.
• Major activities include:
• Surveillance and mapping of fluorosis cases.
• Early detection through health screening.
• Safe water supply using defluoridation units.
• Health education campaigns to raise awareness.
B. National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) – 2009:
• Implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Objective: To ensure safe and adequate drinking water in rural areas, including fluoride-affected zones.
• Key features:
• Promotion of surface water use to reduce dependency on contaminated groundwater.
• Establishment of community water purification plants in affected villages.
• Encouragement of rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge.
• In 2019, NRDWP was merged into the Jal Jeevan Mission.
C. Jal Jeevan Mission – 2019:
• Vision: Tap water to every rural household by 2024.
• Strategy:
• Provide treated surface water to reduce exposure to contaminants.
• Implement piped water supply systems to ensure continuous and safe water access.
• Support village-level water quality testing using trained volunteers.
Example: In several villages, Jal Sakhis (a team of five women) are trained to test water samples using test kits.
Results are uploaded on a mobile app for real-time monitoring.
• Encourage local participation, empowering Gram Panchayats to manage water sources.
7. Conclusion – The Way Ahead:
• Fluoride contamination of groundwater is a pressing public health and environmental issue in India.
• Addressing it requires:
• A combination of technology (defluoridation), awareness, monitoring, and policy implementation.
• Strengthening local-level water governance and promoting alternative water sources.
• Increasing investment in testing infrastructure and community education.
• The success of missions like Jal Jeevan Mission will be critical in ensuring a fluoride-free and safe drinking water supply for all.
Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/sonbhadra-groundwater-excess-fluoride-residents-sicker-govt-report-9916047/