Geogenic sources and high fluctuation rate of groundwater table accelerate the high fluoride in the aquifer of Manbhum-Singhbhum plateau fringe (India)

Fluorosis endemic is a foremost issue in the ancient Manbhum Singhbhum Plateau Fringe of India. Thus, the principal objectives of this study are i) to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of fluoride contamination over the extended section of the Manbhum-Singhbhum Plateau and ii) to examine the fluctuation rate of groundwater, the geogenic sources of fluoride and their degree of impact. About 954 samples were collected from groundwater sources and tested using the Spectrophotometer. The Schmidt-Hammer (SH) method has been applied to identify the degree of weathering. Groundwater table fluctuation (GWTF) has been assessed using the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA). The maximum concentration of fluoride was 19.3 mg/L in groundwater and 12.4 mg/kg in fluorite and apatite minerals. Areas with a negative trend of GWTF is faced high fluoride (>2.5 mg/L). Fluoride is high (>2 mg/L) where the SH values are less than 25. The outcome will be helpful for groundwater resource management. • Very high fluoride (19.3 mg/L) is found in groundwater at this plateau fringe. • High fluoride content zones (>2 mg/L) indicate low Schmidt hammer rebound value. • Very high fluoride concentration (>10 mg/L) is restricted within the depth of 9-12 m. • High fluctuation of the groundwater table accelerates fluoride content. • Apatite and fluorite are the principal fluoride-bearing minerals in this terrain.