Fluoride Occurrence and Human Health Risk in Drinking Water Wells from Southern Edge of Chinese Loess Plateau

Hui Jia, Hui Qian, Wengang Qu, Le Zheng, Wenwen Feng and Wenhao Ren
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Hui Jia: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi’an 710054, China
Hui Qian: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi’an 710054, China
Wengang Qu: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi’an 710054, China
Le Zheng: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi’an 710054, China
Wenwen Feng: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi’an 710054, China
Wenhao Ren: School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, No.126 Yanta Road, Xi’an 710054, China

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Fluoride hydrogeochemistry and associated human health risks implications are investigated in several aquifers along the southern edge of the Chinese Loess Plateau. Locally, 64% shallow groundwater samples in loess aquifer exceed the fluoride limit (1.5 mg/L) with the maximum of 3.8 mg/L. Presently, the shallow groundwater is the main source of private wells for domestic use, and this is clearly a potential risk for human health. Hydrogeochemistry and stable isotopes are used to elucidate the diversity of occurrence mechanisms. Enrichment of fluoride in groundwater is largely controlled by the F-containing minerals dissolution. Furthermore, alkaline condition and calcium-removing processes promote water–rock interactions. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen (δD and δ 18 O) in study area waters demonstrate that groundwater in loess aquifer is old, which means groundwater remains in the aquifer for a long time. Long residence time induces sufficient water–rock interactions, which play significant roles in the resolution of fluoride minerals. Samples from the shallow loess aquifer show elevated fluoride levels, which may pose human health risk for both adults (60%) and children (94%) via oral intake. To ensure drinking water safety, management measures such as popularizing fluoride-removing techniques and optimizing water supply strategies need to be implemented.

Keywords: high fluoride groundwater; drinking water safety; mechanism; hydrogeochemistry; human health risk assessment; loess aquifer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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