Determination of fluoride levels and other selected physico-chemical properties in drinking water from the Duguna Fango district of Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, most people use rivers, wells, and springs for drinking and other related purposes without any form of treatment. This study aimed to determine the levels of fluoride and other selected physico-chemical properties of drinking water sources in the Duguna Fango district, southern Ethiopia. Thirteen water samples were collected from different sites in Duguna Fango. The determination of the fluoride level was done by a fluoride ion-selective electrode. All other selected physico-chemical properties were measured by the standard method. Then, the results were compared with those of the specified standardized limits prescribed by appropriate organizations such as WHO (World Health Organization) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). The fluoride content was found to be between 1.14 and 4.71 mg/L, confirming that its level was exceeding the permissible limit. The average values of pH (6.32, 6.77, and 7.29); total solids (121.6, 123, and 137.89 mg/L); total hardness (186.27, 248.07, and 215.11 mg/L); and total suspended solids (103, 92.6, and 115.11 mg/L) for spring, tap, and well water samples, respectively, were found to be within the acceptable range. On the other hand, measured values of temperature (28.6, 25.3, and 31.8 0C), turbidity (30.89, 11.15, and 17.18 NTU), electrical conductivity (2280.33, 1799.53, and 2763.33 μS/cm), total dissolved solids (989.33, 735.53, and 1933.56mg/L) and total alkalinity (230.93, 221.93, and 269.67 mg/L) in spring, tap, and well water samples, respectively. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that water in the study area is not potable without removing impurities.