Removal of fluoride concentration in water using natural adsorbents.

The Regions of Nandigama and Kanchikacherla areas of Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh depend on ground water for drinking purpose. The Ground Water found to contain fluoride content in excess of drinking water standards set by World Health Organisation. Fluoride is harmful toxin which is rated slightly above Lead and if present in excess affects the digestive system, leads to Oster fluorosis, dental fluorosis to name a few. Various methods are available to remove excess fluorides for instance Nalgonda Technique, reverse osmosis ion-exchange, electrolytic defluorination, Donnan dialysis, contact precipitation and adsorption. Fluoride ahead of required amounts (0.6 to 1.5 mg/l) in drinking water is a main problem in large part of the world. Hence, understanding of its removal, using best modus operandi with optimum efficiency is considered necessary. Taking the intensity of the problem into consideration, this paper aims to provide a easy to use approach for removal of fluoride with low cost adsorbents from water. The aim of the project is to use adsorbents (Tamarind seeds, Drumstick seeds, Neem leaves, Rice husk, Peel Powders of Orange and Pineapple) to remove excess fluoride. Defluoridation depends upon several factors such as dosage, time of contact and PH Value. Effect of these parameters are studied and noted. From experimental results it was observed that the adsorbents can be used effectively to remove excess fluoride. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]