Flouride Contamination of Groundwaters of Two Punjab Districts and its Implications Hardev Singh Virk*

Abstract

Fluoride is one of the important micronutrient in humans which is required for strong teeth and bones. Groundwater with fluoride concentration above the permissible limit  set by WHO, i.e. 1.5 mg/l (ppm), have been recorded in several parts of the world. Fluoride contamination is widespread, intensive and alarming in India as 14.5% of total fluoride deposits on the earth’s crust are found in India. Our investigations have revealed that out of 2500 habitations surveyed in Punjab state, 80% are affected by fluoride contamination. The highest fluoride contamination is recorded in Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab. There is a need to delineate the source of groundwater fluoride in these districts and to decontaminate groundwater to make it potable. The health implications of high fluoride contamination of water are also discussed.

Keywords: Fluoride, contamination, groundwater, WHO, fluoridise

Cite this Article

Hardev Singh Virk. Flouride Contamination of Groundwaters of Two Punjab Districts and its Implications. OmniScience: A Multi-disciplinary Journal. 2018; 8(2): 25–31p.