Fluoride Level in Drinking Water Supplies of Gonbad-e Qabus, 2008-2012

Background and

Fluoride is one of current anions in water and soil, but its level varies in different water supplies. Most of the body's requirement for fluoride is supplied through drinking water, therefore, water utility authorities and monitoring organizations should closely control the level of fluoride in drinking water. The aim of this study was to measure the level of fluoride in water supplies of Gonbad-e Qabus.

In this cross-sectional study we collected the data regarding the tests conducted on water resources from Gonbad-e Qabus Water and Wastewater Company. The data was analyzed and compared with WHO and national standards.

The results showed that the concentration of fluoride ion in the cold and warm seasons ranged between 0.32-0.54 and 0.31-0.52 mg/l, respectively which were found lower than the standard levels.

Considering the temperature of this city, it seems that the fluoride content of drinking waters is lower than the recommended range for preventing dental caries. Therefore, further studies are needed on the daily fluoride intake of through various means. In places were the fluoride level is lower than the optimal level, adjusting its levels in water could be useful to compensate dental health.