A Study on analysis of fluoride contamination in public drinking water sources in Mulbagal taluk,

Karnataka.

Abstract

A study on analysis of fluoride contamination in all public drinking water bore wells in Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka. Mapping of results and analyzing the region of contamination.

Introduction:

Fluoride above permissible levels (i.e 1ppm) in drinking water causes Dental and Skeletal fluorosis in humans. This kind of a contamination is present in more than 60 countries around the world and in more than 15 Indian states including Karnataka. Hence, Mulbagal taluk was taken as a pilot area to study and analyze the scenario of fluoride contamination in drinking water bore wells in the State of Karnataka. The study was conducted in 270 villages, where every village, public bore water sample was analyzed for fluoride contamination. Out of the 270 villages, 48 villages showed fluoride above permissible levels (i.e. above 1ppm) in which 15 villages were in a critical level (i.e. More than 3ppm). All the data collected were plotted in a map and the fluoride pockets were found out. A portable kit prepared by the Centre for Development Alternatives (Jal TARA), New Delhi was used to test the kits.

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral naturally present in the rocks found deep in the earth.

What happens if fluoride is consumed through drinking water/foods?

Fluoride in smaller proportions (i.e. less than 1ppm) if consumed helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens the bones. But if the concentrations go up (i.e. more than 1ppm) the fluoride erases the enamel in the tooth and creates stains this generally occurs to children whose tooth are in developing stages, it is commonly called as Dental Fluorosis. In Adults, the consumed fluoride accumulates in bones and weakens them leading to a disease called skeletal fluorosis. The gravest thing

is that once the disease comes it cannot be cured.

Where does this problem occur?

Since fluoride occurs almost everywhere, only the regions whose water requirements are satisfied from deep under the earth are affected the most. It is also not a constantly occurring problem; its presence completely depends on the geology of the rocks.

Key Observations during the study:

1. Bores in these regions generally range from 550 feet-1200 feet, which means they run a higher chance of fluoride in the future if not today.

2. Children affected by Dental fluorosis have a suppressed feeling about their looks, which eventually lowers their self-esteem and confidence.

3. Large scale de-fluoridation plants which cater 15-20 villages may not actually serve the purpose because the farthest beneficiary (Ex. People from a village that is situated 8km away from the plant) will find it extremely difficult to come all the way just to fetch their daily requirement drinking water.

4. There is a lot of Government schemes allocated for the victims of skeletal fluorosis which have gone unknown by many. There is a program under National Health and Rural Mission (NHRM) called National Program for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF).

Key Recommendations:

1. Rain water harvesting is one of the ways to tackle this problem. Recharging ground water and keeping the water table up can prevent fluoride from entering into our system. So, promoting Rain water conservation in villages is very much in-need.

2. Identifying bores whose water is not contaminated with fluoride is necessary. If this can happen, then a plan on how to utilize that water from those respective bores only for drinking purpose can be worked out.

3. Large scale awareness programs should be organized to ensure that people get a proper clarity on how to tackle fluorosis.

4. Roping in NGO’s in this study is very important because more than the Government they have a better communication and understanding with the general public.

5. All bore depths should be recorded.

Future studies that need to be done:

1. Analyze the credibility of Nalgonda technique, Tulasi technique (Can a tulasi extract also do the trick?) on a commercial scale.

2. Do a study on “ The impact of a de-fluoridation plant” on the lines of till what radius are people willing to go and fetch the water from, or how the water can be delivered to far off villages or so.

3. Prepare a module on how and on What Awareness programmes can be done to create the much needed impact.

4. How to facilitate easy allocation of treatment to the deceased?

5. How the fluoride officer can be further strengthened with testing kits, man-power to do awareness.

Initial course of Action:

1. Analyze water contamination of ALL bore wells in all villages.

(Do a village wise analysis)

a. If everything is not contaminated then, analyze of how to channelize the not contaminated bore to address drinking water needs only.

b. If everything is contaminated then suggest for filters.

Key Contacts:

1. Chief Executive officer, Kolar District- Zulfiqur Ulla: 9480870000

2. District Health officer- Dr. Sashikant Das:9448209708

3. Mulbagal Taluk Health officer- Dr.Prakash: 9480643363

4. District Fluoride officer- Dr. Archana: 8277518889

5. Dean, University of Horticulture, Bagalkot: Dr. Nachegowda: 9480696384

6. Principal, Hanumanahalli high school- Mr. Riyaz khan: 9242217431

Panchayat Heads:

1. Gudipalli- Mr. Narasimha: 9845635627

2. Rajendrahalli- Mr. Anji: 8861279507

3. Amblical & Avani- Mr. Muniraju: 8453462625

4. Bayirakooru- Mr. Rayappa: 9449398794

5. Hebbani- Mr. Balaji: 9538191937

6.Mustooru-Mr.Narayana: 8558484689

7. Kapalamadugu-Mr. Rajagopal: 8722132808

8. Nangali & Pichuguntlahalli- Mr. Nagesh: 8951001207

9. Mudhigare & Mallanayakahalli- Narasimaiah: 9743114142

10. Alangooru & Mudiyanooru- Sri Ramaiah: 8970555411

11. Sonnavadi:8694970804

12. Thimmaravuthanahalli- 9008925950

13. Dhulapalli- Mrs. Roopa: 9242739072

14. Agara- 8050800563

15. H.Gollahalli- 8762135122

16. Kurudumale- Mrs. Bhavani: 8123747412

17. Uthanooru- Mr. Subramani: 9141344388

18. Urukuntemittoru- Mr. Balaji: 9538191937

19. Mothakapalli & Thailooru- Mr. Sultan 9986838239

20. Gummakallu- Mr. Venkatareddy: 9448708772

21. Hanumanahalli- Narayanaswamy: 8867164449

22. Devarayasamudra- Datteswara: 9448523300

23. Emmanatha- Narayanaswamy: 9611292074

24. Balla- Vijayamma: 9008887224

25. Angondahalli- 8762134241

8. Public Health Center:

1. Mallanayakahalli: Praveena-9480650164

2. Alangur: Lalitha- 9480650250

3. Kannasandra: Kanaka- 9480650084

4. Uthanooru: Nanjammal: 9480648944

5. Thailoor: 9480650152

6.Bayirakooru: Suguna- 9480650253

7. Avani: Narayanamma- 9480649365

8. Devarayasamudra: 9480647898

9. Nangli: Rajeshwari- 9480650224

9. Other places where I have tested:

1. Kolar District, Haratti- Shilpa: 9731594187

2. Kolar District, Vakkaleri- Nagaveni: 8892909321

3. Bangarpet

4. Malur

5. Srinivaspura

6. Kolar Gold field- M.Rajendra: 8971175353

10. AFPRO agencies- Mr. Ravi prakash: 9449694890

The conducted study was presented as a report to the Kolar district officials and is soon to be taken as a discussion at India Water portal to brain-storm on future course of action.

I really like to thank Wipro-Earthian, Grama Vikas and Biome Environmental trust for giving such a great learning opportunity. The kind of Support and affection that I got from Grama Vikas(NGO) helped to reach over 250 villages. Without them nothing would have been possible. I really like to thank my Head Mr.Vishwanath and my Mentors Ms. Shubha Ramachandran and Mr. Rajeev for extending a helping hand throughout this journey. And I thank Wipro-Earthian for all their external support. Nothing would have been possible without these three organizations. The above study was not only intended to be made as a report for the organizations but also as a movement for the Government of Karnataka to take notice of their scenario and in-turn translate it into Action. I am really grateful for all the Government officials for taking out their time and acknowledging my effort by convening a meeting on 7th August, 2013. I hope none of my effort goes waste. And I am very much grateful for the Government for forming a Fluoride Action Group (comprising Water experts and top district officials) to brainstorm deeper into this issue and take necessary action that could save millions from fluorosis.