Analyzing Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water Sources in the Alkharj Region of Saudi Arabia and Its Public Health Implications

Introduction:Fluoride is an essential trace element that plays a significant role in the formation and maintenance of human bones and teeth. Naturally present in varying concentrations in all water sources, fluoride's presence in drinking water can have both beneficial and adverse effects on health, depending on its concentration. The present aim of the study was to estimate the fluoride concentration in different water sources in the Alkharj region of Saudi Arabia.Materials and method:A total of 33 samples consisted of various mineral water brands sold in the Alkharj region, as well as water from several public tap water borewell locations and municipal sources in Alkharj used as drinking water sources were collected and analyzed using an IC Professional 940 ion chromatography system (Metrohm). The average fluoride concentration in the 33 water samples analyzed was 0.69 +/- 0.10 mg/L (95% CI: 0.49 0.89 mg/L). The highest fluoride concentration was found in national bottled water (1.06 +/- 0.03 mg/L), followed by borewell water from Alkharj (0.97 +/- 0.60 mg/L), and municipal water from Alkharj (0.22 +/- 0.10 mg/L).Results:The results indicate that the fluoride levels in all sampled water sources in various drinking water sources in the Alkharj region of Saudi Arabia are below the WHO recommended guideline of 1.5 mg/L, with significant variability observed across different sources. National bottled water had the highest average fluoride concentration, followed by borewell water, with municipal water having the lowest levels.