Fluoride in Groundwater, Prevalence of Fluorosis

Groundwater is an important water resource in India for domestic, irrigation and industrial purposes. Hasty, unscientific and unsustainable groundwater development and management in the country due to ever increasing population, urbanization, industrialization and demands for food security is altering the hydrological and geochemical environment of aquifers leads to groundwater pollution. Groundwater pollution suitable to geogenic and anthropogenic factors causes the groundwater non-potable and utilization of this water lead to health problems. Access of drinking water is measured by the number of people who has a reasonable means of getting an adequate amount of water that is safe for drinking. There is a substantial shortfall in the availability of potable water in less developed countries, primarily arising from contamination and pollution. Endemic fluorosis is a major health issue occurring due to utilization of fluoride in groundwater is nationally important. Fluoride ion indrinking water is known for both beneficial and detrimental effects on health. It is essential for normal mineralization of bones and formation of dental enamel with presence in small quantity.