FLUORIDE TOXICITY ON HUMAN HEALTH FROM WATER RESOURCES AVAILABLE AT GRANITE MINE IN BAGALKOT DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA.
Physico-Chemical analysis of ground water samples was carried out from 30 locations of Bagalkot district such as Hungund, Badami, Ron, Kustagi and Bagalkot taluks. The analysis of different parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Cl, SO4, NO3 and Fluoride were carried out as per the standard methods. All the parameters studied were within the permissible limit except Fluoride content in few locations. The analyzed results indicate the Fluoride concentration in some sampling spots namely Herur, Kesarabhavi, Benekanadoni, Balakundi, and Husur of Hunagund Taluk. Maradi village, Budanagad locations of Badami Taluk. Hanumasagar, Hanumanal villages of Kustagi Taluk. Tulasigeri, Simikeri (Govt. Primary School Campus) of Bagalkot Taluk, were found above standards (WHO- 1.0 ppm to 1.5 ppm) probably due to seasonal variations and salt water contamination. Fluoride ion in water sources is known for both beneficial and detrimental effects on live stock. The higher concentration of Fluoride in ground water causes a disease called “Fluorosis”. It is a slow, progressive, crippling malady, which affects every organ, tissue and cells in the body system and results in health complaints having overlapping manifestations with several other diseases like chronic dental and skeletal Fluorosis.