Non-carcinogenic health risk assessment for fluoride and nitrate in the groundwater of the mica belt of Jharkhand, India

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.

Keywords:

• Groundwater
• nitrate
• fluoride
• risk assessment
• source
• mica mining areas

Acknowledgments

The authors are gratified to the Department of Science and Technology and for funding the study under the DST-Women Scientist Scheme-A (WOS-A) (Grant No. SR/WOS-A/EA-28/2018). Also, the authors are thankful to the Director and the Natural Resources and Environment Management (NREM) research group of CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad, for providing the essential laboratory facilities for the research work.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, India.