Object oriented linking of GIS to assess ground water quality in Dharmapuri district, India

The World Health Organisation has identified ‘Fluorosis’as a serious bone disease caused by groundwater. Though the fluoride content in groundwater is a natural phenomenon, when the permissible limit of fluoride is exceeded the consequences may be fatal. This study is identified areas of high fluoride content in the Dharmapuri district of India, which is one of the major districts severely affected by fluorosis (WHO). The approach to this problem is by using GIS as a tool to locate areas of high risk. Ground Water samples collected from 35 randomly located wells (open / bore wells) in the district were analysed for fluoride content. The results were compared with the standards of WHO (World Health Organisation ), ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research ), BIS (Bureau of Indian Standard) and PHE (Public Health Engineering) and interpolated using IDW and spline methods using Arcview GIS 3.2 a. A computer based automated information system was developed in Arcview Avenue 3.2a, so as to enable the user to visit the risk areas at his desktop and to remediate measures as and when required.