Study on the Hydrogeochemistry and Noncarcinogenic health risk induced by Fluoride in Pengyang County, China

Groundwater hydrogeochemistry in Pengyang County was investigated and the noncarcinogenic health risk by fluoride through ingestion was assessed with the health risk assessment model recommended by the USEPA. The study shows the hydrochemical facies of pore water and porefissure water are generally similar. Na+K type and HCO₃⁻ type waters are dominated in the groundwater. The mean HCO³ content in pore water is higher, but the mean Na⁺ content is lower than those in porefissure water. Migration and accumulation of F⁻ in groundwater is influenced jointly by temperature, acidity and alkalinity, groundwater dynamics, aquifer media and many other factors. The high risk zones are mostly located in Gucheng, Baiyang, Wangwa and Luowa, where F⁻ contents in groundwater are usually higher than 1 mg/L. The health risk assessment results are consistent with the distribution of F⁻. This research is meaningful and important in groundwater protection and management.