Temporal Dynamics of Groundwater Quality in the Industrial Belt of Chandrapur, Maharashtra

Abstract

Groundwater is the primary source of drinking and irrigation water for nearly 85% of India’s population, making its quality vital for public health and agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the seasonal variation of groundwater quality in villages situated within the industrial belt of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, with a particular focus on fluoride contamination. Groundwater samples were collected from deep aquifers at seven sites in Korpana Subdistrict and analyzed for physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), total hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), and fluoride. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.80 to 2.50 mg/L, with several summer samples exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline limit of 1.5 mg/L. Elevated fluoride levels were associated with health risks, including dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and bone deformities in both children and adults. Seasonal assessment revealed that monsoonal recharge diluted fluoride concentrations, reducing contamination levels. The findings underscore the urgent need for continuous groundwater monitoring supported by sustainable management measures. These include cost-effective defluoridation technologies, promotion of alternative water sources, and community-based awareness initiatives. Together, such efforts are essential to reduce fluoride-related health risks and ensure safe drinking water security in Chandrapur district.

Keywords: Groundwater quality, Fluoride contamination, Seasonal variation, Chandrapur, Public health