Potential fluoride contamination in the drinking water of Naranji area, NorthWest Frontier Province, Pakistan

Environ Geochem Health. 2003 Dec;25(4):475-81. doi: 10.1023/b:egah.0000004579.54947.e7.

Abstract

The drinking water of Naranji village and surrounding areas of the NorthWest Frontier Province (NWFP), Pakistan, was analyzed for its fluoride content. The fluoride content of water samples from the springs in the Naranji village goes up to 13.52 mg kg(-1), which exceeds the permissible limit (1.5 mg kg(-1)) set by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study explores the source of fluoride contamination and attributes it to the alkaline rocks of the Ambela granitic complex and the Koga complex. The low-lying areas towards the south have a fluoride content within the permissible limit. The Naranji area therefore needs urgent remedial measures.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Fluorides / analysis*
  • Geological Phenomena
  • Geology
  • Humans
  • Pakistan
  • Water Pollutants / analysis*
  • Water Supply*

Substances

  • Water Pollutants
  • Fluorides