Inferring the chemical parameters for the dissolution of fluoride in groundwater

Abstract.

Geochemical study of groundwater from 58 selected fluoride-rich areas in different parts of India that includes eight states indicates that: 1. These groundwaters are alkaline in pH (7.4–8.8) and their electrical conductivity varies from 530–2,680 µS/cm and fluoride concentration from 1.7–6.1 mg/l. Presence of fluoride-bearing minerals in the host rocks and their interaction with water is considered to be the main cause for fluoride in groundwater. 2. The decomposition, dissociation and dissolution are the main chemical processes for the occurrence of fluoride in groundwater. During rock–water interaction, concentration of fluoride in rock, aqueous ionic species and residence time of interaction, etc. are also important parameters. 3. This study indicates that 85% groundwater samples have EC: 1,000–2,000 µS/cm, pH: 7.5–8.5, and HCO₃/Ca (epm ratio): 0.8–2.3. 4. The Ca and HCO₃ contents of groundwater samples have shown good correlation with fluoride.