Question
Which of the following minerals causes fluoride pollution in the groundwater ?
The correct answer is
Fluorite and Apatite
Groundwater Fluoride Pollution Sources
Fluoride pollution in groundwater primarily originates from the natural dissolution of specific rock-forming minerals. Identifying these minerals is key to understanding the source of contamination.
Mineral Identification for Fluoride Pollution
The minerals most commonly associated with releasing fluoride into groundwater are those containing fluorine. Let's examine the options:
- Fluorite (Calcium Fluoride, CaF2): This is a primary mineral source of fluoride. Its dissolution releases fluoride ions into water.
- Apatite (Phosphate mineral series, e.g., Fluorapatite Ca5(PO4)3F): Apatite minerals, particularly those containing fluorine (like fluorapatite), can also contribute significantly to groundwater fluoride levels through weathering and dissolution processes.
- Other options like Olivine, Haematite, Calcite, Magnetite, Quartz, and Orthoclase generally do not contain significant amounts of fluoride and are not primary contributors to fluoride pollution in groundwater.
Therefore, Fluorite and Apatite are the minerals responsible for causing fluoride pollution in groundwater.
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