This study focuses on assessing hydrochemical characteristics and non-carcinogenic health risks associated with fluoride contamination in groundwater within the Palacode and Pennagaram taluks of Dharmapuri district. The presence of fluoride in drinking water is a significant concern due to its potential health impacts on both adults and children. We collected a total of 158 groundwater samples during both the summer (SUM) and monsoon (MON) seasons in 2021 to evaluate the suitability of water for drinking purposes in this region. During the SUM season, groundwater exhibits alkaline characteristics with a pH range of 6.70 to 8.73 and a mean value of 7.43, while the MON season falls within the neutral pH range with values ranging from 6.60 to 7.60 and a mean of 7.00. Hydrogeochemical analysis reveals that fluoride concentrations during the SUM season range from 0.13 to 2.7 mg/L, with a mean of 0.82 mg/L, whereas the MON season exhibits concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 1.6 mg/L, with a mean of 0.5 mg/L. Spatial distribution analysis indicates a gradual increase in fluoride concentrations from the northeast to the central and southern parts of the study area during both seasons. Residents in these areas have been exposed to high fluoride levels for an extended period, leading to health issues related to fluorosis. Our hydrogeochemical analysis attributes fluoride dominance to the Cl^--SO₄^2- water type in both seasons. Furthermore, the relationship between fluoride and pH, HCO₃^-, Ca²⁺, and Na⁺ suggests the influence of geological factors in fluoride dissolution under alkaline conditions, while a reverse cation exchange process and increasing calcium concentration inhibit fluoride concentration. Saturation indices indicate that the unsaturated state of gypsum dissolution contributes to elevated fluoride levels in groundwater. Additionally, Gibbs plots highlight rock-water interactions as a significant factor influencing groundwater chemistry in the study area. Based on our hazard quotient (HQ) investigation, children are at a higher risk during both seasons compared to adults, with the central and northern regions showing alarming HQ values. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced groundwater quality monitoring and a comprehensive assessment of health risks, providing valuable insights for groundwater safety management in vulnerable areas of this region.

本研究的重点是评估 Dharmapuri 地区 Palacode 和 Pennagaram taluks 地下水中氟化物污染相关的水化学特征和非致癌健康风险。饮用水中氟化物的存在是一个重大问题，因为它对成人和儿童的潜在健康影响。我们在 2021 年夏季 (SUM) 和季风 (MON) 期间共采集了 158 个地下水样本，以评估该地区饮用水的适宜性。 SUM季节地下水呈碱性，pH值范围为6.70至8.73，平均值为7.43；而MON季节则属于中性pH范围，pH值范围为6.60至7.60，平均值为7.00。水文地球化学分析表明，SUM 季节氟化物浓度范围为 0.13 至 2.7 mg/L，平均值为 0.82 mg/L，而 MON 季节氟化物浓度范围为 0.08 至 1.6 mg/L，平均值为 0.5 mg/L。 L。空间分布分析表明，两个季节氟化物浓度均从研究区东北部向中部和南部逐渐增加。这些地区的居民长期接触高浓度的氟化物，导致与氟中毒相关的健康问题。我们的水文地球化学分析将两个季节的氟化物主要归因于 Cl ^- -SO ₄ ^2-水类型。 此外，氟化物与pH、HCO ₃ ^- 、Ca ²⁺和Na ⁺之间的关系表明地质因素对碱性条件下氟化物溶解的影响，而反向阳离子交换过程和增加钙浓度抑制氟化物浓度。饱和指数表明石膏溶解的不饱和状态导致地下水中氟化物含量升高。此外，吉布斯图强调了岩石与水的相互作用是影响研究区域地下水化学的重要因素。根据我们的危险商 (HQ) 调查，与成人相比，儿童在这两个季节面临的风险更高，中部和北部地区的 HQ 值令人震惊。这些发现凸显了加强地下水质量监测和健康风险综合评估的迫切需要，为该地区脆弱地区的地下水安全管理提供了宝贵的见解。