INDIA: Fluoride, arsenic detected in groundwater in 3 districts

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INDIA: Fluoride, arsenic detected in groundwater in 3 districts

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Fluoride, arsenic detected in groundwater in 3 districts

Times of India - Jun 4, 2021

Lucknow: Fluoride contamination in groundwater was found to be alarmingly high in Sonbhadra, the second-largest district of
Uttar Pradesh, while high arsenic toxicity has gripped eastern districts of Gonda and Basti.

In all three districts, the volume of contaminants in groundwater is alarmingly high with values recorded several times higher
than permissible limits, reveals a study conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), northern region, Lucknow.

The study was conducted by a team of five geologists led by GSI director (geology) Abhinandan Srivastav. In Sonbhadra, GSI
carried out the study in the south-western part of the district in which over 200 samples were collected from handpumps and
wells. In around 20 villages, fluoride contamination was found double of permissible limits, especially in villages around Govind
Ballab Pant Reservoir.

The presence of high fluoride in groundwater has led to health issues like tooth decay, discolouration
and yellowness of teeth, joint pains and dental fluorosis among villagers.

Meanwhile, in Gonda and Basti, high arsenic toxicity has led to health issues like hyperpigmentation, keratosis on palm and
sole and hearing loss.

In Gonda, villages falling in Nawabganj, Tarabganj, Paraspur, Haldarmau and Katra Bajar blocks recorded 20-25 times higher
arsenic contamination than permissible limi he highest contamination of about 250 parts per billion (ppb) was found at three
places: Gokula village, Bhihanpur Kalan Temple and Gosain Purwa. The acceptable limit of arsenic in drinking water is 10 ppb
only.

In Basti, most parts of Captanganj, Bahadurpur and Kudraha blocks recorded high arsenic contamination. The maximum
concentration of 250 ppb has been observed in Agauna village. GSI suggested that rainwater harvesting may be practised and
pretreated rivers may be used for supply to rural households in these areas.

SOURCE:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cit ... 218226.cms
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