Assessment of Ground Water Quality with Fluoride Contamination and Its Risk Quantification

Abstract

Freshwater demand has surged due to urbanization, population growth, and domestic use, while both natural and human activities have degraded water resources. Monitoring water quality and availability is therefore vital. Mathura, a well-known religious and tourist hub in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, was selected to assess groundwater quality with respect to fluoride (F-). Groundwater samples were collected from seventeen tube wells and hand pumps across the district during 2021–22. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 3.3 mg/L. Notably, 12 out of 17 samples exceeded 1.5 mg/L, surpassing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 2012) permissible limit for drinking water. Health risk assessment indicated a heightened likelihood of non-carcinogenic hazards from oral fluoride intake, particularly at sampling site SS8. Among the exposed groups, children were the most vulnerable, followed by teenagers and adults. These findings highlight a pressing health concern in the region. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, offering data to support targeted interventions and management strategies aimed at ensuring safe groundwater supply for domestic consumption and drinking in Mathura.