Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Assessment of groundwater quality in a region of endemic fluorosis in the northeast of Brazil

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the risk for caries and fluorosis in a desertification area, applying the calcium/fluoride concentration ratio of underground water and the quality of water in a selected geographical region. This study was performed in the municipality of São João do Rio do Peixe, located in the tropical semiarid lands of Brazil. A total of 111 groundwater samples were collected. Fluoride concentration varied from 0.11 to 9.33 mg/L. Thirty percent of all samples analyzed showed values above 1.5 mg/L, while 64 % were above the ideal limit of 0.7 mg/L. Mean calcium concentration was 47.6 mg/L, and 14.4 % of all samples presented values above the WHO acceptable limits. The proportional value of calcium/fluoride in water showed that only 12 % of the samples were suitable for dental caries prevention with minimal risk for dental fluorosis. Mapping of the fluoride distribution indicated that approximately 2,465 people could be affected by dental fluorosis and 1,057 people might be affected by skeletal fluorosis. It can be concluded that, in addition to fluoride, many water parameters were not suitable for the drinking water. Mapping out calcium/fluoride ratio may indicate areas of water suitability for caries control, whereas the fluoride concentration solely can indicate the areas with the risk for fluorosis. This approach can be relevant for health authorities for identifying communities where dental caries or dental fluorosis is prevalent.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aoba, T., & Fejerskov, O. (2002). Dental fluorosis: chemistry and biology. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology and Medicine, 13, 155–170.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Attin, T., Becker, K., Hannig, C., Buchalla, W., & Hilgers, R. (2005). Method to detect minimal amounts of calcium dissolved in acidic solutions. Caries Research, 39, 432–436.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beltrão, B. A., Morais, F., Mascarenhas, J. C., Miranda, J. L. F., Junior, L. C. S., & Mendes, V. A. (2005). Projeto de cadastro de fontes de abastecimento por água subterrânea. Diagnóstico do município de São João do Rio do Peixe. Ministério de Minas e Energia. Programa de Desenvolvimento Energético dos Estados e Municípios—PRODEEM (p. 34). Recife: Serviço Geológico do Brasil—CPRM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brasil (2004). Projeto SB Brasil: condições de saúde bucal da população brasileira 2002-2003–resultados principais: Coordenação Nacional de Saúde Bucal. Ministério da Saúde: pp. 52.

  • Brasil (2009). Contagem Populacional. Ministério do Planejamento, Orçamento e Gestão. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística.

  • Brindha, K., Rajesh, R., Murugan, R., & Elango, L. (2011). Fluoride contamination in groundwater in parts of Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 172, 481–492.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brudevold, F. H., Mccann, et al. (1965). Caries resistance as related to the chemistry of the enamel. In: G. O. C. M (Ed.). Caries resistant teeth. London: Ciba Found Symp. Caries resistance as related to the chemistry of the enamel, 121–148

  • Bruvo, M., Ekstrand, K., Arvin, E., Spliid, H., Moe, D., Kirkeby, S., et al. (2008). Optimal drinking water composition for caries control in populations. Journal of Dental Research, 87, 340–343.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burt, B. A., Keels, M. A., et al. (2000). The effects of a break in water fluoridation on the development of dental caries and fluorosis. Journal of Dental Research, 79(2), 761–769.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carvalho, T. S., Kehrle, H. M., & Sampaio, F. C. (2007). Prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among students from João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Brazilian Oral Research, 21, 198–203.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • (CDC) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (1999). Achievements in Public Health, 1900-1999. Fluoridation of drinking water to prevent dental caries. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), 48(41), 933–956.

  • Ellwood, R., & Fejerskov. O. (2005). Uso clínico do flúor. In: (Ed.). Cárie dentária- a doença e seu tratamento clínico. São Paulo: Santos. Uso clínico do flúor, 189–219

  • Fejerskov, O. (2004). Changing Paradigms in Concepts on Dental Caries: Consequences for Oral Health Care. Caries Research, 38, 182–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fejerskov, O., & Kidd, E. (2007). Cárie dentária: A doença e seu tratamento clínico: Santos. p 352.

  • Galagan, D. J., & Vermillion, J. R. (1957). Determining optimum fluoride concentrations. Public Health Reports, 72(6), 491–493.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heikens, A., Sumarti, S., Mv, B., Widianarko, B., Fokkert, L., Kv, L., et al. (2005). The impact of the hyperacid Ijen Crater Lake: risks of excess fluoride to human health. Science of the Total Environment, 346, 56–69.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heller, K. E., Eklund, S. A., et al. (1997). Dental Caries and Dental Fluorosis at Varying Water Fluoride Concentrations. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 57(3)136–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirata, E. (2006). Potencial de remineralização do cálcio e fosfato: revisão de literatura e estudo laboratorial. Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual Paulista, Araçatuba. http://www.athena.biblioteca.unesp.br/exlibris/bd/bfo/33004021073P5/2006/hirata_e_dr_araca.pdf.

  • Jain, C. K., Bandyopadhyay, A., & Bhadra, A. (2009). Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purpose, District Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 166, 663–676.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karthikeyan, K., Nanthakumar, K., Velmurugan, P., Tamilarasi, S., & Lakshmanaperumalsamy, P. (2010). Prevalence of certain inorganic constituents in groundwater samples of Erode district, Tamilnadu, India, with special emphasis on fluoride, fluorosis and its remedial measures. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 160, 141–155.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kidd, E. A. M., & Fejerskov. O. (2004). What constitutes dental caries? Histopathology of carious enamel and dentin related to the action of cariogenic biofilms. Journal of Dental Research, 83, 35–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kloos, H., & Haimanot, R. T. (1999). Distribution of fluoride and fluorosis in Ethiopia and prospects for control. Tropical Medicine & International Health, 4, 355–364.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Narvai, P. C. (2000). Cárie dentária e flúor: uma relação do século XX. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 5(2), 381–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ozsvath, D. L. (2009). Fluoride and environmental health: a review. Reviews in Environmental Science and Biotechnology, 8, 59–79.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pauwels, H., & Ahmed, S. (2007). Fluoride in groundwater: origin and health impacts. Géosciences, 5, 68–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rafique, T., Naseem, S., Usmani, T. H., Bashir, E., Khan, F. A., & Bhanger, M. I. (2009). Geochemical factors controlling the occurrence of high fluoride groundwater in the Nagar Parkar area, Sindh, Pakistan. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 171, 424–430.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, N. S. (2009). Fluoride in groundwater, Varaha River Basin, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 152, 47–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ravindra, K., & Garg, V. K. (2007). Hydro-chemical survey of groundwater of Hisar City and assessment of defluoridation methods used in India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 132, 33–43.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rølla, G. (1977) Effects of fluoride on initiation of plaque formation. Caries Research, 11(1), 243–261.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sampaio, F., von der Fehr, F., Arneberg, P., Petrucci Gigante, D., & Hatloy, A. (1999). Dental fluorosis and nutritional status of 6 to 11 year old children living in rural areas of Paraíba, Brazil. Caries Research, 33, 66–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sampaio, F. C., Silva, F. D. S. C. M., Silva, A. C. B., Machado, A. T. A. B., Araújo, D. A. M., & Sousa, E. M. (2010). Natural fluoride levels in the drinking water, water fluoridation and estimated risk for dental fluorosis in a tropical region of Brazil. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, 8, 71–75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saxena, V. K., & Ahmed, S. (2003). Inferring the chemical parameters for the dissolution of fluoride in groundwater. Environmental Geology, 43, 731–736.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schamschula, R, M., Bunzel, et al. (1978). Plaque minerals and caries experience: associations and interrelationships. J Dent Res, 57, 427–432. .

    Google Scholar 

  • Thylstrup, A., & Fejerskov. O. (1978). Clinical apearance of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth in relation to histologic changes. Community Dental Oral Epidemiology, 6, 315–328. .

    Google Scholar 

  • UNESCO (2001). Internationally shared (transboundary) aquifer resources management. A framework document. IHP-VI Series on Groundwater, Document SC-2001/WS/40, Paris.

  • Vikas, C., Kushwaha, K., & Pandit, M. K. (2009). Hydrochemical status of groundwater in district Ajmer (NW India) with reference to fluoride distribution. Journal Geological Society of India, 73, 773–784.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vogel, G., Shim, D., Schumacher, G., Carey, C., Chow, L., & Takagi, S. (2006). Salivary fluoride from fluoride dentifrices or rinses after use of a calcium pre-rinse or calcium dentifrice. Caries Research, 40, 449–454.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Whitford, G. M. (1994). Intake and metabolism of fluoride. Advances in Dental Research, 8, 5–14.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Whitford, G., Wasdin, J., Schafer, T., & Adair, S. (2002). Plaque fluoride concentrations are dependent on plaque calcium concentrations. Caries Research, 36, 256–265.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Weatherell, J, C., & Robinson, et al. (1984). The concept of enamel resistance: a critical review. Cariology Today, 223–230.

  • World Health Organization (WHO) (2000). Air quality guidelines. World Health Organization (WHO), Regional Publications, European Series, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark Chapter 6.5.

  • Yadav, J. P., Lata, S., Kataria, S. K., & Kumar, S. (2009). Fluoride distribution in groundwater and survey of dental fluorosis among school children in the villages of the Jhajjar District of Haryana, India. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 31, 431–438.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Brazilian National Council for Research and Development—CNPq—n. 576703/2008-7.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflicting issues.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical and Social Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, 58051-900, Brazil

    Consuelo Fernanda Macedo de Souza, Franklin Delano Soares Forte & Fábio Correia Sampaio

  2. School of Health of Cajazeiras, Federal University of Campina Grande, Cajazeiras, 58900-000, Brazil

    José Ferreira Lima Jr & Maria Soraya Pereira Franco Adriano

  3. Dentistry Department, UNIPE, João Pessoa, 58053-000, Brazil

    Fabíola Galbiatti de Carvalho

  4. National Health Foundation, João Pessoa, 58015-190, Brazil

    Rosimere de Farias Oliveira

  5. Ambios Engineering and Processes, São Paulo, 04015-011, Brazil

    Alexandre Pessoa Silva

  6. Health Science Center, Post graduation program in Preventive Dentistry and Pedodontics, Laboratory of Oral Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, 58051-900

    Fábio Correia Sampaio

Authors
  1. Consuelo Fernanda Macedo de Souza
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. José Ferreira Lima Jr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Maria Soraya Pereira Franco Adriano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fabíola Galbiatti de Carvalho
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Franklin Delano Soares Forte
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Rosimere de Farias Oliveira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Alexandre Pessoa Silva
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Fábio Correia Sampaio
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fábio Correia Sampaio.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

de Souza, C.F.M., Lima, J.F., Adriano, M.S.P.F. et al. Assessment of groundwater quality in a region of endemic fluorosis in the northeast of Brazil. Environ Monit Assess 185, 4735–4743 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2900-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2900-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation