Assistant Professors – Dr Kousik Das, Dr Harish Puppala, Associate Professor- Dr Pankaj Pathak, Uttiya Dey, along with Research Scholars – Mr Mijanur Mondal, Ms Sudeshna Chell, Ms Sumana Dutta, and Ms Pankaj Kumar come up with an interdisciplinary research breakthrough in their paper, “Community-Level Vulnerability of Groundwater Fluoride Contamination and Exposure by the Application of Multi-Criteria Model.” The authors examine fluoride exposure in villages like Chintal Cheruvu, Rompicherla, Shantamangalur, Thimmapur, and Nadendla.
Abstract
Elevated fluoride (F⁻) levels in groundwater, primarily due to geogenic processes, pose significant health risks, including dental and skeletal fluorosis and neurological disorders. This study aimed to quantify source-dependent F⁻ exposure at the community level in selected tropical dry regions of Andhra Pradesh, India. These locations include Chintal Cheruvu, Rompicharala, Shantamangalur, Thimmapur, and Nadendla. Community surveys and drinking water sample analyses were conducted in these regions. Dental Fluorosis Index (DFI) used to estimate exposure levels across age and sex groups. Findings of surveys indicate that groundwater consumption with high F⁻ (4.3 mg/L) results in the highest exposure dose (0.62 mg/kg/day), with Chintal Cheruvu identified as the most affected. A strong positive correlation was observed between exposure dose, water F⁻ content, and the Community Fluorosis Index (CFI). Dental fluorosis prevalence exceeded 80% across all age groups, and household surveys revealed 100% unawareness of F⁻ exposure risks. The magnitude of FII for Chintal Cheruvu is 0.563 which is highest among the considered regions indicating that it is most impacted region that needs remedial measures first in the hierarchy. Rompicharala with FII as 0.252, Nadendla (0.223), Shantamangalur (0.214), and Thimmapur (0.188) follows the hierarchy.
Explanation in layperson’s terms.
The outcome of the study concludes that regionally most of the places of Andhra Pradesh is affected the by the groundwater fluoride contamination. People are getting affected by the consumption of high fluoridated water which is visible from the dental fluorosis. The area is having high groundwater fluoride is having highest severe dental fluorosis cases. Among the villages, Chintal Cheruvu had the highest fluoride level while Thimmapur had the lowest. Signs of dental fluorosis were most noticeable among younger individuals who are still developing. The exposure dose varied across villages, with Chintal Cheruvu having the highest exposure dose followed by Rompicharala. Other symptoms of fluorosis, such as skin allergies and body pain are also predominant. Most villages had alternative sources of drinking water, except for Chintal Cheruvu, where residents continued to use contaminated water due to a lack of alternatives. There is a clear link between lack of awareness about fluoride toxicity and higher exposure levels as apparent from the questionnaire survey.
Practical /Social Implications
The immediate action is necessary to reduce fluoride exposure, provide safe drinking water, and raise awareness about fluoride toxicity to meet sustainable development goals by 2030. The findings highlight the need for integrated approaches combining mitigation, education, and sustainable practices to tackle fluoride contamination and improve the overall well-being of affected communities.
The Amravathi Drone Summit 2024 emerged as a landmark event, uniting industry leaders, trailblazers, and visionaries committed to revolutionising the future of drone technology. This varsity proudly showcased its expertise as the esteemed technology partner for this high-profile summit. The summit was charged with excitement as participants explored an array of drones through impressive exhibitions, engaging hackathons, and thought-provoking panel discussions.
The Hackathon tested the skills and creativity of the brightest minds. Our very own team of second-year Civil Engineering students made waves by clinching the runner-up prize. The winning trio, Ms Nithya, Ms Sumaya, and Mr Hitesh, received a cash prize of ₹50,000. This achievement not only reflected their hard work and dedication but also showcased the exceptional talent nurtured at the university. Under the guidance of faculty members Dr Harish Puppala and Dr Pranav Peddintti, Assistant Professors in the Department of Civil Engineering, these students are poised to become future leaders in drone technology.
The summit also featured notable panel discussions that provided deeper insights into the evolving landscape of drone technology. Among the distinguished speakers was Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K. Arora, who served as a prominent panellist in the discussions. He was joined by other faculty members, including Dr Raviteja, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr Pranav Peddinti, and Dr Harish Puppala, Coordinators of the Centre for Drone Technology and the Centre for Geospatial Technology, respectively, who contributed their expertise on the latest developments in the industry.
With the remarkable performances of our students and the strategic discussions by our faculty, the Amravathi Drone Summit 2024 marks a bold step forward for drone technology.
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