Fluoride content and physiochemical properties of borehole water from Bugobero sub-county, Manafwa district.

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess fluoride content and to determine physicochemical parameters of drinking water of Bugobero area, Manafwa, Uganda where borehole water is the main source of drinking water. Water samples were collected from boreholes, the physicochemical parameters and fluoride concentrations were measured. Fluoride concentrations were analyzed using ion selective electrode method. The water samples collected had a pH range of (6.4–6.8), electrical conductivity ranged (287-743) μS/cm, salinity ranged from (23-30) mg/L, Total hardness ranged from (400-575) mg/L and TDS Values of (156.7–387) mg/L and some of these parameters were within the WHO normal range for drinking water. Fluoride concentration in groundwater from boreholes ranged from (0.5 to 1.7) mg/L. High fluoride levels corresponded with higher electrical conductivity total dissolved solids and salinity values at near-neutral pH. The WHO set standard limit of 1.5 mg/L and Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) guideline value of 0.4 mg/L fluoride and this showed that some of the water of Bugobero the limit values. All water sources studied contained average fluoride levels higher than 0.4 mg/L which was the limit value of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). These findings imply a possible risk to the local population which depends on this water being exposed to dangers of high fluoride intake.