Comprehensive Assessment of Fluoride Content in Groundwater and Its Health Implications in the Sauran District, Kazakhstan
Abstract
This study evaluated fluoride concentrations in drinking water from 63 sources across 38 settlements in the Sauran District of southern Kazakhstan and assessed related health risks. Fluoride levels ranged from 0.01 to 1.10 mg L-1; 90.5% of sources contained <0.7 mg L-1, and 38.1% contained <0.3 mg L-1. Optimal concentrations (0.7–1.1 mg L-1) were found in only six sources, some of which were unsuitable for drinking due to high mineralisation. Although the overall water quality was satisfactory, widespread fluoride deficiency indicated limited nutritional value. Hazard Quotient (HQ) values did not exceed 0.33 for children and 0.24 for adults, showing no toxicity risk but suggesting insufficient fluoride intake and an increased likelihood of dental caries, particularly among children. Fluoride measurements in seven widely consumed tea brands showed that tea provides a partial supplementary source of fluoride, but not enough to compensate for deficiency in drinking water. The results indicate that fluoride inadequacy is a regional concern despite generally acceptable water quality. Ensuring optimal fluoride levels should therefore be considered in local drinking-water management and public-health planning.
