Groundwater fluoride chemistry and health risk assessment of multi-aquifers in Jilin Qianan, Northeastern China

Groundwater from deep confined aquifers is often recommended for use because of it's low fluoride health risk. Thus, this study appraised groundwater fluoride hydrochemistry in a multi-aquifer system in Jilin Qianan to determine the non-carcinogenic health risk liable from exploiting the respective aquifers. 124 samples collected from the tertiary confined aquifer (N), quaternary confined aquifer (Q1), and quaternary phreatic aquifer (Q3) during surveys in 2001 and 2017 was analyzed using hydrochemical, statistical, spatial, and health risk assessment methods. Results show that the dominant water facies in the respective aquifer layers was Na+K–HCO3+CO3 except in Q1, where Ca+Mg – HCO3 + CO3 was marginally dominant. Fluoride concentrations outside the recommended guideline occurred in all the aquifers except N, where concentrations were optimum. The mean fluoride concentration of groundwater in the aquifers was of the order Q3 (2017) > Q3 (2001) > Q1 > N ( mean 2.09, 2.03, 1.41 and 0.75 mg/L with 51.85%, 57.44%, 36.36% and 0% occurring beyond recommended guideline values respectively). Silicate weathering, cation exchange, and fluorite dissolution in an alkaline environment were the significant fluoride contributing processes. Evaporation and MgF+ complex additionally influenced Q1 and Q3 (2017). The total hazard quotient (THQ) from oral and dermal pathways shows fluoride health risks in the order: infant > children > adult. The associated risks likely from using water in the respective aquifer layers is of the order Q3 (2017) > Q3 (2001) > Q1 > N. The mean groundwater fluoride in 2017 was marginally higher than that of 2001 ( 2.09>2.03 mg/L respectively) although the percentage of age group members disposed to fluoride risk from using water from Q3 decreased from 2001 to 2017. Knowledge of local hydrogeology in exploiting deep groundwater free of fluoride pollution and on-site defluoridation treatment of groundwater was recommended in the study area and other areas with similar characteristics. •Na+K–HCO3+CO3 water facies dominated most of the aquifers.•Mean fluoride in respective aquifer layers decreased with depth.•Silicate weathering, cation exchange and fluorite dissolution in an alkaline environment were main drivers of fluoride enrichment.•Fluoride health risks in the order: infant > children > adult with oral pathway being the far more significant contributor.•Considerable fluoride health risks exist in using deeper confined aquifers.