Occurrence of fluoride in groundwater of Zarand Region, Kerman province, Iran

Abstract

The fluoride (F) content and distribution pattern of groundwater, the main drinking water source, in 35 villages and towns in the Zarand area in Kerman Province of Iran were assessed using the F ion chromatography method. The average groundwater F concentration was 1.80 mg/L (range: 0.33–3.51 mg/L) and in 22 sites the F concentration exceeded 1.5 mg/L, the maximum F drinking water level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Exposure to excess dietary F may lead to chronic disease with detrimental health effects, including dental and skeletal fluorosis, and providing safe water for domestic use is recommended.