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Fluoride Distribution in Drinking Groundwater in Rajasthan, India


Affiliations
1 Department of Advanced Science and Technology, National Institute of Medical Science and Research, NIMS University, Jaipur 303 121, India
 

Hydrofluorosis caused by fluoride-rich water was predominantly restricted in Rajasthan, India before the commencement of guinea-worm (Dracunculus medinensis) eradication programme in 1986. During implication of the programme, numerous bore- and tube-wells fitted with hand pumps were dug in villages even in the remote areas of the state, simultaneously closing down the traditional step/open-wells which were used as drinking water sources. Groundwater from tube- and bore-wells drawn from deeper sources in all the 33 districts of Rajasthan is found contaminated with varying amounts of fluoride (F), with most containing F above the maximum acceptable limits of 1.0–1.5 ppm. As a result, hydrofluorosis has become more rampant in rural Rajasthan. Extreme large amounts of F in potable water sources were detected in desert districts located in western Rajasthan (Thar Desert region). The findings of this article show how a well-intentioned medical health programme has led to the spread of another disease (hydrofluorosis) in Rajasthan. These findings can play an important role in the formulation and implementation of a health policy at the state level for mitigation and prevention of endemic hydrofluorosis.

Keywords

Groundwater, Guinea-Worm Disease, Fluoride Distribution, Hydrofluorosis, Mitigation and Prevention.
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  • Fluoride Distribution in Drinking Groundwater in Rajasthan, India

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Authors

Shanti Lal Choubisa
Department of Advanced Science and Technology, National Institute of Medical Science and Research, NIMS University, Jaipur 303 121, India

Abstract


Hydrofluorosis caused by fluoride-rich water was predominantly restricted in Rajasthan, India before the commencement of guinea-worm (Dracunculus medinensis) eradication programme in 1986. During implication of the programme, numerous bore- and tube-wells fitted with hand pumps were dug in villages even in the remote areas of the state, simultaneously closing down the traditional step/open-wells which were used as drinking water sources. Groundwater from tube- and bore-wells drawn from deeper sources in all the 33 districts of Rajasthan is found contaminated with varying amounts of fluoride (F), with most containing F above the maximum acceptable limits of 1.0–1.5 ppm. As a result, hydrofluorosis has become more rampant in rural Rajasthan. Extreme large amounts of F in potable water sources were detected in desert districts located in western Rajasthan (Thar Desert region). The findings of this article show how a well-intentioned medical health programme has led to the spread of another disease (hydrofluorosis) in Rajasthan. These findings can play an important role in the formulation and implementation of a health policy at the state level for mitigation and prevention of endemic hydrofluorosis.

Keywords


Groundwater, Guinea-Worm Disease, Fluoride Distribution, Hydrofluorosis, Mitigation and Prevention.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv114%2Fi09%2F1851-1857