Year : 2026

Volume : Volume 17

Issue : Issue 4

Address for correspondence :
Dr Samruddhi Bengal
bengalsamruddhi@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Fluoride and total dissolved solids (TDS) are important indicators of drinking water quality and have significant effects on oral and systemic health. Excess fluoride exposure during childhood may lead to dental fluorosis. However, district level data on fluoride and TDS levels in government school drinking water sources in Hingoli district are limited. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 50 government schools selected through stratified random sampling across five talukas of Hingoli district. Fluoride estimation was performed using the SPADNS colorimetric method according to APHA guidelines, while TDS was measured using a calibrated digital TDS meter. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed. Results: Fluoride levels ranged from 1.46–2.21 mg/L, with 96% of samples exceeding the BIS permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. Mean fluoride concentrations across all talukas exceeded 1.9 mg/L. TDS levels ranged from 28–771 mg/L and remained within the acceptable BIS limit in all samples, although 38% exceeded the desirable limit of 500 mg/L. A weak positive correlation was observed between fluoride and TDS (r = 0.20). Conclusion: Most government school drinking water sources in Hingoli district showed elevated fluoride levels, indicating a potential risk of dental fluorosis among schoolchildren. Regular water quality surveillance and appropriate defluoridation measures are recommended to reduce the risk of fluorosis among schoolchildren.