Fluoride Levels of Drinking Water in Bitlis Province (Turkey)

Abstract

In the present study, fluoride levels of drinking water from the province of Bitlis and its towns (Adilcevaz, Ahlat, Guroymak, Hizan and Tatvan) were investigated. A total of 164 water samples, collected from tanks or tap in autumn (November 2006) and spring (May 2007) were used as material. The fluoride levels were measured by Orion model 720A potentiometer, using an ion-selective electrode. The fluoride values in drinking water samples obtained from tanks and tap were found to be 0.36 +/- 0.05 and 0.35 +/- 0.03 ppm respectively. These values were the highest in Ahlat (0.75 +/- 0.04 ppm), and the lowest in the center of Bitlis (0.01 +/- 0.01 ppm). Fluoride levels were determined below 0.50 ppm in the 62% of water samples, and below 1.50 ppm in all water samples. The effect of season on the fluoride levels were found to be statistically insignificant (P > 0.05), while the effect of residential areas were significant (P < 0.05). As a result, it was demonstrated that the fluoride levels investigated in all water samples were within standard ranges, which poses no risk for fluoride toxication in the province of Bitlis.