Review on Fluoride Constituents in Groundwater System of Shallow Crystalline Aquifers from Nigeria

Fluoride concentrations investigation in groundwater is very important, since groundwater is an essential commodity for social economic and human health development both in developed and in developing countries across the globe. The effects of fluoride consumption in water can be linked and attributed to hazardous health risk such as endemic, skeletal fluorosis and dental caries to list a few. The study is aimed at presenting a short review on fluoride concentrations in groundwater system within the basement complex of southwestern Nigeria, whereby zones with high elevated fluoride concentrations (F−) will be highlighted, which would serve as a guide for regulatory bodies to know the zones that require immediate attention. The range of F− in this study varied from 0.04 to 6.38 mg.l−1, with a mean of 1.21 mg.l−1. The mean of F− obtained is greater than the permissible limit of 1.0 mg.l−1 as recommended by the World Health Organization. It indicates that some zones require defluoridation to avoid some risks in future such as dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis.