MEVE 019: Unit 12 - Arsenic and Fluoride Pollution

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 UNIT 12: ARSENIC AND FLUORIDE POLLUTION

12.1 Introduction

Groundwater is a critical source of drinking water for millions across the world, especially in India. However, it is increasingly being contaminated with toxic elements like arsenic and fluoride, leading to severe public health crises. These pollutants occur naturally in some regions but can also result from human activities. Chronic exposure to arsenic and fluoride affects millions, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas where safe water alternatives are limited.

12.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Understand the nature and sources of arsenic and fluoride pollution.

·         Explore the current status and geographic spread of these pollutants.

·         Analyze their impacts on human health and the environment.

·         Identify strategies for the management and mitigation of arsenic and fluoride contamination in water.

12.3 Arsenic Pollution

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid found in rocks and soil. When it dissolves into groundwater, it contaminates drinking water sources. Arsenic pollution is a major environmental health issue in South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh.

12.3.1 Sources of Arsenic Pollution

·         Natural Sources:

o    Geological formations with arsenic-bearing minerals.

o    Weathering and erosion of arsenic-rich rocks.

o    Reductive dissolution of iron oxides releasing arsenic into groundwater.

·         Anthropogenic Sources:

o    Mining and smelting operations.

o    Use of arsenic-based pesticides and herbicides.

o    Industrial effluents from tanneries, glass, and chemical factories.

12.3.2 Status of Arsenic Pollution

·         Arsenic contamination is most severe in West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Jharkhand.

·         The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the permissible limit of arsenic in drinking water at 0.01 mg/L, while BIS (India) permits 0.05 mg/L.

·         In several affected regions, arsenic levels exceed 0.3–0.5 mg/L, posing a serious health risk.

12.3.3 Impacts of Arsenic Pollution

·         Health Effects:

o    Arsenicosis: Skin lesions, pigmentation, and hard patches on palms and soles.

o    Cancer: Lung, bladder, and skin cancer from prolonged exposure.

o    Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased risk of hypertension and vascular diseases.

o    Neurological Disorders: Cognitive impairment and developmental issues.

o    Immune System Suppression.

·         Socioeconomic Impact:

o    Reduced productivity due to chronic illness.

o    Increased healthcare costs and loss of livelihood.

o    Psychological and social stigma.

12.3.4 Management of Arsenic Pollution

·         Identification and Mapping of arsenic-affected areas using GIS and water quality testing.

·         Safe Water Supply Alternatives:

o    Use of surface water where possible.

o    Rainwater harvesting.

o    Dug wells with arsenic-free zones.

·         Arsenic Removal Technologies:

o    Adsorption (using iron oxide, activated alumina).

o    Coagulation–filtration.

o    Reverse osmosis and ion exchange.

·         Community Awareness and Education.

·         Government Programs:

o    Arsenic Task Forces, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), and State Water Testing Laboratories.

12.4 Fluoride Pollution

Fluoride is essential in small amounts for bone and dental health. However, prolonged consumption of high-fluoride water leads to fluorosis, a crippling disease. Fluoride contamination in groundwater is a widespread problem in many semi-arid regions of India.

12.4.1 Sources of Fluoride Pollution

·         Natural Sources:

o    Weathering of fluoride-rich minerals like fluorite, apatite, and topaz in granitic rocks.

o    Leaching into groundwater under high temperature and low calcium conditions.

·         Anthropogenic Sources:

o    Use of phosphate fertilizers.

o    Industrial discharge from aluminum smelting, brick kilns, and ceramics.

o    Burning of coal containing fluoride.

12.4.2 Status of Fluoride Pollution

·         Fluoride pollution is reported in more than 20 states of India, including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.

·         WHO guideline for fluoride in drinking water: 1.0 mg/L (India: 1.5 mg/L).

·         In some areas, levels exceed 5 mg/L, leading to severe health outcomes.

12.4.3 Impacts of Fluoride Pollution

·         Dental Fluorosis:

o    Discoloration and pitting of teeth, especially in children.

·         Skeletal Fluorosis:

o    Stiffness, joint pain, bone deformities, and limited mobility.

o    Advanced stages can cause permanent disability.

·         Neurological and Developmental Disorders in children.

·         Reproductive Effects: Linked to reduced fertility and complications.

12.4.4 Management of Fluoride Pollution

·         Water Quality Monitoring: Regular testing of groundwater sources.

·         Alternative Water Supply:

o    Use of safe surface water or low-fluoride aquifers.

o    Community hand pumps marked as "safe" or "unsafe".

·         Defluoridation Techniques:

o    Nalgonda Technique (alum-based coagulation).

o    Activated alumina filters.

o    Reverse osmosis units.

·         Nutritional Intervention:

o    Calcium, vitamin C, and antioxidants in diet to reduce fluoride absorption.

·         Awareness Programs in schools and villages.

·         Government Initiatives:

o    National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF).

12.5 Let Us Sum Up

Arsenic and fluoride pollution are serious threats to public health, particularly in rural India where groundwater is the primary drinking water source. While arsenic leads to cancer and skin disorders, fluoride causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. These contaminants originate from both natural and human-made sources and require urgent attention. A multi-dimensional approach involving technology, community awareness, safe water alternatives, and government support is essential for mitigating these toxic pollutants and ensuring safe drinking water for all.

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