TITLE:
Assessing Levels and Health Risks of Fluoride and Heavy Metal Contamination in Drinking Water
AUTHORS:
Ali Sanou, Namory Méité, Amadou Kouyaté, Elisephane Irankunda, Alfred Niamien Kouamé, Aka Eric Koffi, Koffi Jean-Paul Bohoussou, Lébé Prisca M.-S. Kouakou
KEYWORDS:
Physico-Chemical Parameters, Fluoride, Heavy Metals, Drinking Water, Sanitary Risks
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.10 No.11,
November
9,
2022
ABSTRACT: A
systematic study was carried out to assess the level of contamination with
fluorides and heavy metals in the drinking water of the city of Daloa as well
as the risks to the health of consumers. The waters of 11.11% of the sites
sampled exceeded the fluoride limit for drinking water with a contamination
index (CI) greater than 0. All the waters recorded concentrations of cadmium
(Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) above the
recommended values with CI > 0. However, 22.22% of the sites recorded
concentrations below the standard for zinc (Zn) with IC 1 for children in 22.22% of drinking
water studied. HQs have an average of less than 1 for fluorine and greater than
1 for all metals. Moreover, the danger indices have values greater than 1. The
incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and the total ILCR are above the
recommended values. These results showed that the drinking water sampled is of
poor quality due to higher levels of heavy metals, which can constitute a
danger to human health. Long-term use of one of these poor quality waters can
lead to cancer in consumers. It is therefore necessary to treat this water in
order to eliminate the metals before using it for drinking. This study can help
decision-makers and competent authorities in charge of water management.