Analysis of Fluoride Content in Drinking Water Sources Across Rural Communities in Plateau State

Fluoride is an essential trace element that confers protection against dental caries at optimal concentrations but causes dental and skeletal fluorosis when present in excess. Geological formations in parts of Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, are known to release natural fluoride into groundwater, creating potential public health risks for communities dependent on borehole and well water. This study determined fluoride concentrations in drinking water from forty borehole and well sources distributed across Barkin Ladi, Mangu, and Shendam local government areas of Plateau State. Water samples were collected in dry and wet seasons and analysed using the fluoride ion-selective electrode method following SPADNS colorimetric confirmation. WHO and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality limits of 1.5 mg/L were applied as reference thresholds. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 4.8 mg/L across all sources. Fifteen sources in Barkin Ladi exceeded the 1.5 mg/L permissible limit, with four exceeding 3.0 mg/L. Clinical dental examination of 50 children in high-fluoride communities showed a prevalence of dental fluorosis consistent with elevated fluoride exposure. Seasonal variation was noted, with dry season samples showing higher concentrations. These findings identify a significant fluorosis risk in parts of Plateau State and recommend targeted defluoridation interventions for affected communities. Keywords: fluoride, drinking water, fluorosis, Plateau State, ion-selective electrode.