Research

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Title :

studies on fluoride in groundwater from parts of Nanded District, Maharashtra: Implications for distribution, contamination and associated health risk

Area of research :

Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Vasant Madhav Wagh, swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, Maharashtra

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Equipments :

Details

Executive Summary :

The hydrogeological regime of any terrain is influenced by various factors such as climate, geomorphology, geology, and tectonics. A sound database can be used to understand the hydrogeological regime and develop an integrated approach for watershed management. Groundwater mining in certain parts of Nanded District, including Nanded, Bhokar, Kinwat, Degulor, Loha, and Biloli tehsils, is causing increased levels of fluoride contamination. This study aims to investigate the source, occurrence, controlling factors, and health exposure risk of fluoride contamination in groundwater from Nanded district of Maharashtra. The study is relevant to national missions and priorities, as per international norms, a country with less than 1700 m3/yr is classified as water stress. In India, net groundwater availability is 399 bcm, with 213 bcm used for irrigation and 18 bcm for domestic and industrial use. Per capita water availability has decreased from 2309 m3 in 1991 to 1902 m3 in 2001, and is projected to decrease to 1401 m3 and 1191 m3 in 2025 and 2050 respectively. The proposed project is relevant for both swachh Bharat and swasth Bharat, and its findings may help local authorities plan and manage water resources at a local scale. It will identify critical sites of elevated risk to water quality and prioritize areas for further policy development to prevent water quality deterioration in Kinwat and Degloor tehsils. This research is the first scientifically-designed research project on fluoride contamination of groundwater in Nanded district.

Co-PI:

Dr. Uday Laxmikant sahu, Toshniwal Arts, Commerce And science College, sengaon, Maharashtra-431542

Total Budget (INR):

24,80,760

Organizations involved