International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology
Abstract
: Groundwater is the major source of drinking water in the study area., High fluoride content above
permissible limit (>1.5 mg/l) are recorded at many places in groundwater samples of study area resulting in health
hazards, causing dental and skeletal fluorosis. The major litho-units of study area are limestone, shales and Deccan traps. Integrated quality indices, multi-criteria decision making and sensitivity function analyses are used to analyze the groundwater samples using mathematical modelling. The geochemistry of groundwater relating major ionic
constituents with fluoride using statistical analysis are carried out to understand the source and mechanism of
enrichment of fluoride in groundwater. Based on multi-criteria decision making approach, the majority of the samples
fall under the category of decreased quality region. Results of sensitivity function analyses indicate, waters belong to
less recommended range. Saturation indices of fluoride minerals are interpreted using Chadha’s diagram. The
geochemical analysis indicates the alkalis, viz., Ca2+ and Mg2+ indicated negative correlation with fluoride. This could
be due to the oversaturation of carbonate minerals as inferred from saturation indices. Positive correlation between Fwith
that of Na+
ions and pH is observed, which may be due to the rock dissolution processes. From the above studies it
is interpreted that the mineral dissolution through rock water interaction is the major controlling process of fluoride
enrichment in groundwater. Water treatment and de-fluorination at village levels are to be considered for using
groundwater for drinking purpose
