Fluoride and Chloride Ions Concentration and their Health Implications in Groundwater within Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, fluoride in drinking water, either below or above the established permissible range, can adversely affect oral health, including tooth decay and dental fluorosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate fluoride and chloride ion concentration and their health implications in groundwater within Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria using ion-selective electrode potentiometric titration for fluoride ion and Argentometric titration for chloride ion determinations. The results showed a high fluoride concentration in well water samples ranging from 0.126 mg/L to 0.216 mg/L, compared to borehole water samples ranging from 0.013 mg/mL to 0.052 mg/L. Among the chloride concentrations, the highest levels were observed in the well water sample A (96.09 mg/L), followed by borehole samples, A (63.08 mg/L) and B (49.35 mg/L). The lowest chloride concentration was recorded in the borehole sample H (11.82 mg/L). Notably, both well and borehole water sources in the studied communities had fluoride concentrations below the established minimum WHO standard (0.5 mg/L). The chloride concentrations in the groundwater samples from the study area fell within WHO standards (< 250 mg/L). The results from this study suggest that the continuous consumption of water from these community sources, without additional sources of fluoride, may increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, addressing this issue and ensuring appropriate water treatment measures is vital for maintaining optimal oral health in the region.