An Assessment of Fluoride Concentration in Groundwater and Risk on Health of North Part of Nagaur District, Rajasthan, India

Fluoride contamination in groundwater is one of the major environmental hazards in many districts of Rajasthan viz. Ajmer, Bhilwara, Nagaur, Tonk etc. Due to occurrence of fluoride in groundwater of central part of Rajasthan belt known as “Banka Patti”. This belt crosses the whole of Nagaur district.Groundwater quality with reference to fluoride content in the Jayal block located in the Nagaur District of Rajasthan has been assessed. Results of the groundwater samples show fluoride content greater than that of the safe limit prescribed for drinking purpose. Fluoride in presently studied sites was recorded in the ranges of 0.5 and 6.5 mg/l. As per the desirable and maximum permissible limit for fluoride in drinking water, determined by WHO or by Bureau of Indian Standards, the groundwater of about 53 villages of the studied sites is unfit for drinking purposes. The minimum concentration was recorded for Roopathal village (0.5 mg/l) while maximum concentration was recorded from village Rajod (6.5 mg/l).