Pollution indicators and human health risk assessment of fluoride contaminated drinking groundwater in southern Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigated fluoride contamination in groundwater and associated health risks in the Badin district of Pakistan. Fifty-seven groundwater samples were analyzed for fluoride, turbidity, iron, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Pollution indices and health risk models were employed to assess contamination levels and potential health impacts. Results showed that 47 % of samples exceeded the WHO fluoride limit of 1.5 mg/L, with a mean concentration of 1.92 mg/L. Spatial analysis revealed high contamination in northern and southern areas. Health risk assessments indicated that children, particularly females, faced the highest risk of fluorosis. TDS, turbidity, and iron levels also exceeded WHO limits in significant portions of the samples. This investigation uniquely combines multiple pollution indicators, spatial analysis, and age-specific health risk assessments, presenting vibrant insights for targeted interventions, policy development, and resource allocation to address this critical public health issue in fluoride-endemic regions.

Keywords

• Badin
• Fluoride contamination
• Hazard quotient
• Human health risk assessment
• Groundwater pollution