High concentration of fluoride in the groundwater is observed to be
associated with granitic aquifers as well as near phosphate mines around
the globe. The present work is a hydrogeological study of the ground
water of Beldih phosphate mines in India. Being located in the Singhbhum
shear zone the area has a complex tectonic history and is dominated by
phosphate, alkali granites, amphibolites, and granitic gneiss with higer
abundance of fluoride bearing minerals like apatite and biotite. Total
of 12 water samples were collected for a preliminary study to assess the
spatial variation of fluoride in ground water and surface water with an
aim to understand the effect of phosphate mines in elevating fluorosis
in adjoining areas. The groundwater chemistry shows a trend that the
concentration of fluoride and nitrate gets elevated as we approach
towards the open cast phosphate mines. From the spatial observation
combined with the water chemistry and geology it is evident that the
apatite dissolution is the prime cause of the elevation in fluoride
concentration. However presence of iron in the lithology controls the
fluoride level to some extent. Since the area is effected with high
fluorosis its can be concluded that the groundwater geochemistry along
with the air borne fluoride present in the phosphate dust are the major
cause of the fluorosis. The exploration of phosphate must be carried out
with out most environmental care and the mitigation of post mining
effect should be planned before mining operation. Fluorosis is an
irreparable health hazard and a major geohealth concern that has already
affected a large amount of population.