ASSESSMENT OF FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION IN GROUNDWATER IN HONG AND ENVIRONS, ADAMAWA STATE, NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA
Groundwater is the main sources of water supply and is the major source of fluoride intake for humans. There is need to have representative data and information on the extent of human exposure to fluoride and its impact on human dental fluorosis. This study aimed at assessing the fluoride concentrations in drinking water sources in Hong and evirons where cases of dental fluorosis have been reported in the area. Total of twenty groundwater samples were collected from ten boreholes and ten hand dug wells. The samples were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectro- photometry method. The results show that, the fluoride concentrations in boreholes range between 1.51 mg/l to 1.71 mg/l with average value of 1.60 mg/l, while for hand dug wells range between range between 1.65 mg/l to 2.13 mg/l with average value of 1.89 mg/l, which is above the recommended standard. This implied that the inhabitant in Hong and environs that relied on groundwater source are exposed to health risk associated with high fluoride. To mitigate for the health impact of high fluoride, use of alternative sources of potable water as well as de-fluoridation is recommended. In addition, educating the community on dangers of using water with excess fluoride is recommended in order to ensure good health.
Authors : B.A. Ankidawa, D.S. Audu, A.M. Inuwa and I. Vanke
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 5(2) Date Uploaded : 26th May 2020