Assessment of Fluoride-Induced Health Risks and Water Quality Degradation in Bihar's Groundwater
The study aimed to assess fluoride levels in drinking water and evaluate health risks. We examined 12 physicochemical parameters, including fluoride, pH, EC, TDS, chloride, carbonate, bicarbonate, sulfate, nitrate, calcium, and magnesium hardness. Fluoride was negatively correlated with EC (-0.649) and CO32- (-0.855), while positively correlated with Mg2+ (+0.559). All water samples exceeded permissible fluoride limits according to BIS (IS 10500:2012). The WQI for all samples was over 100, indicating unsuitability for drinking. The Hazard Index (HI) exceeded 1, suggesting non-carcinogenic risks. HI ranged from 1.275 to 5.4864 for different age groups. Fluoride concentrations pose a greater health risk to children than adults. Monitoring fluoride levels in drinking water is crucial to prevent dental and skeletal fluorosis. This information underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring fluoride levels to safeguard public health.