Sources and Health Effects of Arsenic, Fluoride, and Nitrate in Water

Year : 2026 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 19 25
By

Surendra Roy,

N.K. Singh,

Abstract

Arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate are major inorganic contaminants in water that pose significant risks to human health. These contaminants are introduced into water sources through both natural geological processes and human activities. Arsenic is primarily released from arsenic-bearing minerals through weathering, dissolution, and erosion, while human activities such as agriculture, mining, and fossil fuel combustion further enhance its presence in water. Fluoride contamination mainly results from the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals such as fluorite, apatite, and topaz, whereas nitrate is largely formed through the oxidation of nitrogen oxides emitted from fossil fuel combustion, agricultural activities, and soil processes. Exposure to these contaminants leads to a range of health effects. Arsenic affects multiple organ systems, including the nervous, hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular systems, and is associated with various cancers. Prolonged exposure to elevated fluoride concentrations can lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, while excessive intake may also adversely affect other organs and physiological systems. Elevated nitrate levels in drinking water are linked to methemoglobinemia (blue-baby syndrome) and the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. This review summarizes the major sources of arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate contamination in water and highlights their associated impacts on human health.

Keywords: Arsenic contamination, fluoride contamination, nitrate pollution, groundwater quality, human health

[This article belongs to Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management ]

How to cite this article: Surendra Roy, N.K. Singh. Sources and Health Effects of Arsenic, Fluoride, and Nitrate in Water. Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management. 2026; 13(02):19-25.
How to cite this URL: Surendra Roy, N.K. Singh. Sources and Health Effects of Arsenic, Fluoride, and Nitrate in Water. Journal of Water Resource Engineering and Management. 2026; 13(02):19-25. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jowrem/article=2026/view=251243

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 24/01/2026
Accepted 03/07/2026
Published 09/07/2026
Publication Time 166 Days

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