Deterministic and probabilistic human health risk assessment for fluorides in drinking groundwater from Lukavac, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Although fluorides are essential for dental health, there are growing health concerns regarding the risk-benefit ratio of fluoride exposure. The objectives of the study were to obtain data on the amount and human health risks of fluoride in drinking groundwater, as well as to compare and evaluate the differences in the outputs obtained by two different approaches in health risk assessment (deterministic vs probabilistic). From a densely populated industrial area of north-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, a total of 54 groundwater samples were collected. Fluoride concentrations varied from 1.69 to 3.52 mg/L. The WHO's threshold value for fluoride in drinking water was exceeded in all the samples analysed, indicating an increased daily intake of fluoride from groundwater. Deterministic and semi-probabilistic techniques were used for exposure assessment and health risk quantification. Generally, the deterministic approach resulted in acceptable health risks in most adult exposure scenarios. However, the Monte Carlo simulation revealed that 20.6, 20.8, and 99.8% of adult males, females, and children, respectively, were above the tolerable upper intake level, indicating that both adults and children face a significant health risk. Nevertheless, small children are more vulnerable to environmental hazards than youth and adults. Hence, a more in-depth risk-benefit analysis is required to reduce/or optimize fluoride content in drinking water to prevent tooth decay and fluorosis at all ages. Considering that optimal daily intake of fluorides is a crucial factor for preserving human health, decision-makers should take steps to emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of fluoride concentrations in drinking water.

Performance of Rod-Shaped Ce Metal–Organic Frameworks for Defluoridation

“…The H3TATAB-containing Ce-H3TATAB-MOFs prepared in this study exhibited outstanding adsorption selectivity for F − in wastewater with a wide pH range of application (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Further, it attained a satisfactory removal efficiency of 76.57% under strongly alkaline conditions (pH 10), resulting in a F − concentration (<1.0 mg L −1 ) below the WHO threshold of 1.5 mg L −1 .…”

“…Fluorine pollution refers to environmental pollution caused by excess fluorine and its compounds, either due to human activities or natural processes, such as industrial effluents using fluorinated materials, weathering of mineral-rich ground, volcanic activity, and fluoride (F − ) release from marine aerosols [2,3], causing a serious threat to animals, plants, and humans. Fluoride is one of the indispensable trace elements for humankind and a major component of bones and teeth, hence, it is irreplaceable and yet excessive or insufficient ingestion can pose adverse influences on human health [4]. Contact with a high level of F − for long periods via drinking water, air, or food can lead to a succession of health problems, such as fluorosis, dental fluorosis, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and inhibition of the breakdown of enzymes in the body, affecting normal metabolism [5][6][7].…”

Functional MOF-Based Materials for Environmental and Biomedical Applications: A Critical Review

“…Fluoride is a vital trace element essential for human health and constitutes a major component of bones and teeth, making it irreplaceable. Nevertheless, both excessive and insufficient ingestion of fluoride can lead to detrimental effects on human wellbeing [213]. Prolonged exposure to high levels of F − through drinking water, air, or food can result in various health issues, including fluorosis, dental fluorosis, neurological disorders, Alzheimer's disease, as well as suppression of enzyme malfunction within the body, impacting normal metabolism [214][215][216].…”