Water, Iron, and Women: Implications for Health Nutrition

Iron, Water, and Women: Implications for Health and Nutrition examines the relationship between naturally occurring iron in groundwater and the iron status of women living in groundwater-dependent communities. Combining principles of environmental science, hydrogeology, nutrition, and public health, the book explores the sources, chemistry, transport, and biological significance of iron in drinking water. Using Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, India, as a case study, it presents groundwater quality assessment, seasonal variations in iron concentration, and serum ferritin analysis among women to understand potential associations between environmental iron exposure and body iron stores. The book discusses the benefits and risks of iron intake through drinking water, the public health implications for anemia prevention, and the importance of safe drinking water management. Designed for students, researchers, healthcare professionals, environmental scientists, and policymakers, this volume provides an interdisciplinary perspective on an emerging area of environmental health research.