Determining the Optimal Concentration of Fluoride in Drinking Waterfrom the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal concentration of fluoride in drinking water from 11 cities located on different sites throughout the Republic of Macedonia. Method: The optimal level of fluoride in drinking water is universally calculated by applying the equation of Galagan and Vermillion, which permits the calculation of water as a function of temperature. Results: The annual mean maximum temperatures (AMMT) recorded during the last 5 years were collected from the meteorological centres of the 11 divisional headquarter stations. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water from different cities in Macedonia was calculated to be 0.84 mgF/L in Gevgelija, 0.83 mgF/L in Demir Kapija, 0.88 mgF/L in Strumica, 0.89 mgF/L in Shtip, 0.9 mgF/L in Skopje (Zajcev Rid), 0.92 mgF/L in Bitola, 0.94 mgF/L in Prilep and Ohrid, 0.95 mgF/L in Kriva Palanka, 1.00 mgF/L in Berovo and 1.09 mgF/L in Lazaropole. Conclusion: Determining the most appropriate concentration of fluoride in drinking water is crucial for communities. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water from different cities from the Republic of Macedonia was calculated to be between 0.84 -1.09 mg F/L.