User perception study for performance evaluation of domestic defluoridation techniques for its application in rural areas

Fluoride concentrations in ground water have been monitored in rural areas of Dhar and Jhabua districts in Madhya Pradesh, India. A correlation of fluoride concentration with pH, TDS and conductivity has been estimated to identify surrogate monitoring parameter. Further, fluoride removal from drinking water has been achieved by using adsorbents specially developed for domestic applications. These adsorbents have been evaluated using three different methods namely; loose adsorbent, pre-packed sachet and packed bamboo column. Comparative evaluation of these methods has been demonstrated in the laboratory and field. The stringent limit of 1mg/L for fluoride concentration in drinking water has been achieved by use of specially designed adsorbents. A feedback from end-users in Tarapur and Ukala villages of Dhar districts Madhya Pradesh regarding the adsorbents and its acceptability has been collected. User's perception regarding these household treatments reveals encouraging response for defluoridation methods. According to user's perception loose adsorbent approach emerged out as most simple, clean and safe household defluoridation method.