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Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Study in slum Areas of Surat District, Gujarat, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, Gujarat, India

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 14, Issue (3), Pages 74-76, July,22 (2025)

Abstract

Fluoride, a naturally occurring element in groundwater, is known for its dual impact on human health: beneficial in small quantities but harmful in excess. This study assesses seasonal fluoride concentrations in the groundwater of five areas in Surat, Gujarat—Govalak, Morarji Vasahat, Banjaravas, Halpativas, and Ambedkarnagar. Data collected before and during the monsoon season showed fluoride levels ranging from 0.4 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L, with pre monsoon levels generally higher. The findings highlighted areas where fluoride concentrations exceeded the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) permissible limit of 1.0 mg/L and the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline of 1.5 mg/L. For the awareness about the documented health impacts in high-fluoride areas of Surat, continuous monitoring, public health initiatives, and fluoride mitigation strategies should be implemented.

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