Determination of Fluoride Level in Drinking Water in the Costal-Western Libyan Cities

Abstract

Fluoride has been described as an essential element needed for normal development and growth and extremely useful
for human beings but chronic exposure to excessive fluoride more than the permissible limit is known to cause dental
fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis in humans. Other effects, including hypersensitivity reactions, renal insufficiency,
osteo-renal syndrome, repetitive strain injury, birth defects and neurological manifestation have also been reported.
The aim of this study was determination of fluoride level in the ground water in the costal-western cities of Libyan
districts to demonstrate the health risks that may be associated with higher levels of fluoride in drinking water. 21
water samples collected from different cities of costal –western Libyan districts. The fluoride concentration was
determined using a Lanthanum Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode. In the study area, the results indicated that the
fluoride concentration was ranged between 0.01-3.9 ppm, with a mean of 1.32ppm. It is observed that 61% of the
samples have fluoride level greater than 0.6-0.7 ppm, the normal level that recommended by WHO.