Groundwater Geochemistry in the Southeastern Part of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, with Special Reference to Fluoride Distribution and Its Impact on Health

Abstract

Groundwater is the major water-source for drinking and irrigation in drought-prone southeastern part of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh (India). Geochemically, the groundwater is characteri,ed by alkaline nature. higher contents of Na over K, Ca2 over Mg2 and Cl over NO1 more or less equal amounts of HCO, and SO/, and fluoride 0.5 to 5.51 mg/L. that is -2-5 times over the W.H.O. (2004 J prescribed limit of 1.5 mg/L for drinking. Due to high Fin water, this region is severely affected by endemic fluorosis.