Appraisal of Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater Using Statistical Approach in Rural Areas of Quetta, Balochistan

Abstract

Fluoride is a significant parameter of water quality and its consumption less or more than the permissible limits in drinking water is detrimental to human health. Therefore, an analysis of groundwater sources in rural areas of Quetta was carried out. Altogether 32 samples were collected from Borewells and Tubewells from Kuchlak, Mariabad, Hazarganji, and Hanna Valley. Samples were subjected to the examination of physicochemical parameters using standard procedures. All the samples were transparent; pH was in the range of 6.4-11.2, Electrical Conductivity (EC) varied from 342-784 µs/cm, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) ranged between 219-502 mg/L Total Hardness (TH) varied from 140-680 mg/L and F- ranged from 0.17-3.2 mg/L. The comparison of estimated values showed that all the samples were exceeding the limits prescribed by WHO. Correlation studies showed that pH and EC were positively correlated with F-. Fluoride showed a strong positive correlation with TDS and a negative correlation with TH. This research study indicates that 75% of groundwater samples had F- concentration greater than the allowable limits of WHO. A reliable monitoring program is needed to manage the drinking water quality and health of the population.

Keywords

• groundwater
• physicochemical parameters
• fluoride