Geomorphological Impact Assessment on Groundwater Quality and Fluoride Genesis along the Bay of Bengal of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Geomorphological effects might not be the mere natural topographical changes but, their impact on groundwater quantity/quality would be an aspect of great concern. Especially the qualitative fluctuations in coastal region would suffer more than those observed in the elevated or the plains. The ease and severity would magnify from the anthropogenic activities and from the effects carried over from the uplands. To evaluate this, a study was conducted by collecting 44 water samples of bore and open well origin along the Bay of Bengal coast of Visakhapatnam district. Geochemical assessment was carried from the results of all major chemical constituents and geological data of the sampling stations. The expansive and correlative interpretation of the results yielded the mechanisms control the genesis of principle chemical species, present status, reserves, drainage pattern and the recent intrusion zones in the study area. The genesis and spatial distribution of fluoride was assessed due to sporadic reports of fluorosis in the district. Upon receiving the findings with suitable recommendations, the Groundwater Board and the civil society organizations widely published and the displayed the results for further action made the study a purposeful.