The distribution and genetic types of high-fluoride groundwater in northern China

Abstract：Fluoride poisoning by drinking high-fluoride water is a rather common phenomenon in the world, and groundwater with high fluoride is very widespread in northern China. As regional groundwater is the main source of water supply, fluoride poisoning has developed to such an extent that it has seriously affected human health. The enrichment of fluoride in the groundwater is a very complicated hydrogeochemical reaction. Results of the studies conducted in northern China are summarized in this paper. It is indicated that regional high fluoride-bearing groundwater on the whole exhibits some characteristics in distribution. The formation of high fluoride water was studied in relation to climate, hydrology, geological structure, rock and soil, geological and hydrological conditions of water chemistry and other natural factors. The groundwater exploration direction and some key points in the high-fluoride groundwater zone are pointed out on the basis of relevant results. Having analyzed the distribution and environmental characteristics of high fluoride-bearing groundwater, this paper advances many effective measures to reduce the fluoride content in drinking water and to cure the disease.