Pollution Research Paper

FLUORIDE CONTAMINATION IN GROUNDWATER SOURCES OF MODASA TEHSIL OF SABARKANTHA DISTRICT, GUJARAT, INDIA

G.D. ACHARYA AND M.V. MATHI

Abstract

The Gujarat region of India has been recognized only recently as a fluoride-affected area. Surveys indicate that one-seventh of the 250,000 people in the Modasa Tehsil of Gujarat have either dental or skeletal fluorosis. The high concentration of fluoride in the water resources in some localities such as the khambhaisar, kolikhad and galsundra areas of the tehsil are of great concern. A study has been undertaken for the determination of fluoride in drinking water at Mosada Tehsil and its nearby villages. Fluoride was measured with the help of ion selective electrode method. Most of these villages have higher concentration of fluoride than suggested by WHO and BIS. Samples taken from this region have been analyzed and it was found that 30 villages are prone to the excess fluoride concentration in drinking water.