Assessment of Fluoride Concentrations in Surface Waters and Groundwater Sources in Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Drinking water is a major source of Fluoride intake, which at certain concentration is the cause of Fluorosis. The disease is preventable by having passable knowledge of fluoride sources, concentration levels and management tech- nique. This study was aim at presenting concentration levels of Fluoride (F) in drinking water sources from this region of northeastern Nigeria where cases of dental fluorosis have been reported. Samples of surface water and groundwater were analysed by the colorimetric SPADNS METHOD (CODE 3647-01-SC). Results revealed that F concentrations in surface water ranges between 0.03mg/L and 2.07mg/L, while in groundwater this ranges between 0.02mg/L and 2.42mg/L. The results also revealed up to 43% of sampling points within a location showing high F concentrations (≥1. 5mg/L) in groundwater. This is beyond the permissible limits set by World Health Organization. Since groundwater is a major source of drinking water in this region, the hazards posed by high F concentrations in this region still remains and would require constant monitoring and effective implementation of management practice to curtail.