Fluorosis: A Case Study from Talupula, Andhra Pradesh, India

India has acute public-health problem induced by utilization of groundwater as a source of drinking water having excess fluoride. The origin of this hazardous element is attributable to the continent geology and it is necessary to understand the present contamination level and areal distribution. Approximately 60-65 million people drink fluoride contaminated ground water and the number affected by fluorosis is estimated at 2.5 - 6 million, predominately children This study reveals the fluoride content of well water in different parts of Talupula area of Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh and focuses on fluorides and their relationship to water quality parameters and their impacts on humans through groundwater resources. The fluoride concentration varies between 0.78- 6.10 mgL-1. The alkaline pH and high bicarbonate are responsible for release of fluoride bearing minerals into ground water. The arid climate of the region, parental rocks (granites) and the low fresh water exchange due to periodical drought conditions are the factors responsible for the higher incidence of fluorides in the ground water resources. The people dependent on these groundwater resources are prone to dental fluorosis and mild skeletal fluorosis. Further, suggestions are made to improve the groundwater quality and, thus, the health condition of the population.