Analyzing Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater: Case Studies of Rewari Block of Rewari District, Haryana

Abstract

This study investigates the fluoride concentration in drinking water across 84 villages in the Rewari Block of Rewari District, Haryana, India, a region with significant agricultural activity and semi-arid climate. Fluoride, a persistent pollutant, is naturally present in the Earth's crust and can accumulate in groundwater, particularly in regions with fluoride-bearing minerals. The study utilized the ion-selective electrode (ISE) method to measure fluoride levels in groundwater samples, finding concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 1.3 mg/L, which is within the permissible limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, 21 villages reported levels exceeding the recommended 1.0 mg/L limit. The higher fluoride concentrations in some areas are attributed to geological factors, such as the presence of fluoride-rich rocks, deeper water tables, and specific climatic conditions. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to mitigate the health risks associated with fluoride contamination in drinking water, particularly in rural and semi-arid regions dependent on groundwater sources.