Sustainable Management of Fluoride in Drinking Water and Public Health Protection in Southern Libya: A Study Based on Representative Samples
Abstract
The fluoride levels in water in a number of locations (Ashkidah, Tamazawa, Zawiya, Achabiyat, Al Tarkibat, Abu Hurghada, Al Afiah, Dabdab, Tmassah, Zwila, and Awbari) in some regions of southern Libya , were evaluated by the authors. There is a weak negative correlation between pH and fluoride, indicating that other factors have a substantial impact on the content of fluoride in the water samples. High alkalinity frequently promotes the dissolution and release of fluoride from minerals, although other processes, such as binding with calcium or geological variables, might counteract this, leading to a weak overall relationship. The cluster analysis classified the samples into three clusters: (1) Low-fluoride cluster (F<1 mg/l); (2) Optimal fluoride cluster (1mg/l ≤F ≤1.5mg/l); and (3) High fluoride cluster (F>1.5 mg/l). The Libyan standard's and WHO guideline and the metal index indicated that the water was safe for drinking, except for one sample in the Zawiya area. Moreover, the water can be used for short-term irrigation.
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