Fluoride and nitrate contaminations of groundwater and potential health risks assessment in the Khyber district, North-Western Pakistan
Danish Ather, Said Muhammad, Wajid Ali
Abstract
The current study was conducted to assess the concentration of nitrate (NO3) and fluoride (F), and associated health risks in the four tehsils of district Khyber i.e. Jamrud, Bara, Landi Kotal, and Mula Gori. A total of 61 samples from various groundwater sources were collected and analysed. Groundwater results showed that the mean values of F were 0.86, 0.83, 0.67, and 2.9 mg/l, and that of NO3 15.8, 8.38, 9.76, 4.22 mg/l in Bara, Jamrud, Landi Kotal, and Mula Gori, respectively. Furthermore, health risk assessment was carried out for different age groups i.e. adult male/female (66 years), teens male/female (16 years), and children (6 years). The results revealed that HI values of F through groundwater consuption was > 1 in 39.3% and 16.4% of the samples for children and other age groups (teen and adults), respectively. Similarly, HI values of NO3 for children, adults, and teens were higher than the threshold value in 62.3%, 34.4%, and 39.3% of the samples, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA)revealed that the predominant source of F enrichment in groundwater was geogenic. However, for the NO3 proportion in the region, the potential causes were agricultural activities. Results revealed that the region requires immediate attention, and remedial measures must be implemented to protect residents from the adverse effects of NO3 and F in the district of Khyber.