Occurrence, Main Source and Health Risks of Fluorine in Mine Water

Recently, high levels of fluorine have been detected in mine water, posing a potential risk to human health in light of the comprehensive utilization of mine water. Focusing on the Shendong area, this study aims to reveal the occurrence, spatial distribution, main sources, and health risks associated with fluorine in mine water using Piper diagrams, statistical analysis, SEM-EDS of rocks, and health risk assessment models. A total of 101 samples, including 68 water samples and 32 rock samples, were collected and analyzed. Results show that the average concentration of fluorine in the study area is mostly greater than 1 mg/L, belonging to high-fluorine mine water. Mine water with elevated levels of fluorine is with an abundance of Na+ and a scarcity of Ca2+. The distribution of fluorine content in mine water of Shendong mine varies significantly with the depth of mining depth, resulting in lower fluoride levels in 1# and 2# mine water and higher levels in 3# mine water. The primary cause of elevated fluorine in 3# mine water is attributed to 3# roof groundwater related to the prolonged water-rock process between groundwater and rock formations. Health risk assessments demonstrate that mine waters from Shigetai, Daliuta, and Huojitu pose no health risks to infants, children, males, or females, whereas waters from Halagou, Buertai, Cuncaota, Bulianta, Shangwan, and Wulanmulun present potential hazards. Health risks associated with mine water are closely correlated with its fluorine concentration. To ensure compliance with drinking and living standards, a proposed solution involves coagulation precipitation followed by adsorption to remove fluorine from mine water. This study provides valuable insights into the distribution, sources, risk assessment, and mitigation of fluorine in mine water and groundwater.