Analyzing Fluoride-Induced Toxicity in Human Health: Case Studies and Applied Interventions for Safe Drinking Water

Dr. Rajesh Verma

Saumya Rani

Vol. 10, Issue 1, Jan-Dec 2024

Page Number: 34 - 42

Abstract:

In fluoride-endemic Bihar, India, drinking water contamination is a severe public health hazard. This research explores the health effects of fluoride-related toxicity in rural Bihar, where groundwater fluoride levels surpass the WHO's 1.5 mg/L standard. In susceptible groups, long-term fluoride exposure has caused bone and dental fluorosis, cognitive deficits, renal issues, and thyroid abnormalities. This study examines societal and infrastructure factors that sustain fluoride toxicity. Technical and financial challenges hinder Reverse Osmosis (RO) and defluoridation unit deployment and maintenance. Groundwater pollution is exacerbated by public misunderstanding and hostility to new water treatment methods. Fluoride levels in Nawada, Rohtas, Gaya, and Bhojpur are 2.7–4.5 mg/L, reflecting the horrible reality. Numerous people have fluorosis. Efficacy and community participation difficulties cause variable success. The report advocates economical and sustainable water filtration technology, regulatory changes to monitor water quality, and fluoride mitigation in climate change adaptation methods to minimize fluoride toxicity. Program sustainability depends on community involvement and vulnerable population education and awareness. Governments, nonprofits, and communities must collaborate to combat fluoride poisoning. Nanofiltration membranes, solar-powered defluoridation systems, rainfall collection, and artificial groundwater replenishment should be researched. A combined strategy using technology, policy, and community participation may minimize fluoride exposure and enhance health.

References

• Ayoob, S., & Gupta, A. K. (2006). Fluoride in drinking water: A review on the status and stress effects. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 36(6), 433-487. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643380600678112
• Bhatnagar, A., Kumar, E., & Sillanpää, M. (2011). Fluoride removal from water by adsorption—A review. Chemical Engineering Journal, 171(3), 811-840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2011.05.028
• Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). (2020). Groundwater Quality and Contamination Reports in India. Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.
• Chinoy, N. J. (2019). Effect of fluoride on human health and its remediation. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 57(5), 299-307.
• Dhar, B., & Bhatnagar, M. (2009). Physico-chemical analysis of fluoride-contaminated drinking water in Rajasthan, India. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A, 44(4), 340-347. https://doi.org/10.1080/10934520902719735
• Government of India (GoI). (2019). National Rural Drinking Water Programme: Framework for Implementation. Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Kaseva, M. E. (2006). Optimization of regenerated bone char for fluoride removal in drinking water: A case study in Tanzania. Journal of Water and Health, 4(1), 139-147.
• Kundu, A., & Dutta, P. (2022). The impact of fluoride exposure on human cognitive function: A review of recent findings. Indian Journal of Environmental Health, 64(2), 118-127.
• Kumar, V., Mishra, P., & Singh, R. (2022). Challenges of fluoride contamination in drinking water: A case study of rural Bihar. Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 12(1), 94-102. https://doi.org/10.2166/washdev.2022.103
• Mandal, P., Singh, S. K., & Das, R. (2021). Fluoride contamination in drinking water and its impact on human health: A case study of fluoride-endemic regions in India. Journal of Environmental Management, 277, 111-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.111123
• Mosha, N. R., Ngassapa, F., & Ibrahim, M. (2017). Assessment of fluoride levels in groundwater and prevalence of dental fluorosis among children in selected villages in Hai District, Northern Tanzania. Science of the Total Environment, 605-606, 734-739.
• PHED Bihar. (2020). Annual Report on Fluoride Contamination and Water Quality Monitoring in Bihar. Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Bihar.
• Ramesh, V., Reddy, B. S., & Sharma, N. (2020). Mechanisms of skeletal fluorosis and public health concerns: Insights from rural India. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 152(5), 394-405. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1232_19
• Reddy, B. S., Ramachandraiah, C., & Mehta, A. (2020). Enzyme inhibition by fluoride: Implications for human health. Toxicology Letters, 333, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.02.021
• Susheela, A. K. (2018). Fluorosis: Prevention and Management in Developing Countries. Springer.
• World Health Organization. (2017). Guidelines for drinking-water quality: Fourth edition incorporating the first addendum. WHO Press, Geneva.

Back Download