Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for fluoride and nitrate in the groundwater of the mica belt of Jharkhand, India
Soma Giri, Mukesh Kumar Mahato, Pramod Kumar Singh, Abhay Kumar Singh
Abstract
Groundwater quality was investigated for fluoride and nitrate contamination in the mica mining areas of Jharkhand with special emphasis on seasonal fluctuation, source apportionment and human health risk assessment. Samples were collected from thirty-seven locations on a seasonal basis. The results indicated 31% and 32% samples of groundwater to exceed the Indian drinking water quality standards for F– and NO3–, respectively. Marked seasonal variation was observed in the concentration of NO3– with highest levels in monsoon season; however, the seasonal fluctuation was insignificant for F–. The NO3– contamination can be attributed to agricultural activities while F– can be related to geogenic sources. For the evaluation of non-carcinogenic risk, Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Indices (HI) were calculated as per United States Environmental Protection Agency methodology. The results suggested the child population to be most vulnerable to health risks due to ingestion of F– and NO3–. The HI values for men (0.34–18.4), women (0.29–15.8) and children (0.55–29.3) suggested considerable health risk related to F– and NO3– to all the population groups. As high as 95% of the groundwater samples were likely to cause non cancer health effects in the child populace advocating upgraded water management plan for the residents.