Internally funded project
DISTRIBUTION OF FLUORIDE AND FLUOROSIS IN AREAS UNDERLAIN BY THE GABORONE GRANITE COMPLEX, KANYE AND NNYWANE FORMATION LAVAS AND THE MOGOBANE FORMATION SILICILASTIC ROCKS IN SE BOTSWANA
Project Start Date: 16/03/2026
Project End / Expected Completion Date: 15/03/2028
Groundwater is one of the sources of freshwater water supply in different parts of the world. In Botswana, it contributes more than 50% percent’s of the water supply in the towns and major villages whereas rural areas are supplied entirely by groundwater. It is the most important source of fluoride for human being. Fluoride is beneficial when present in small concentrations (0.8 to 1.0 mg/l) in drinking water. It is important for the calcification of dental enamel. In higher amounts, it causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. In Botswana, a hydrochemical reports show that the average concentrations of fluoride in surface water ranges from 0.20 mg/l to 2.59 mg/l. In groundwater, results of different researches indicate that the concentration of fluoride ranges 0.10 to 7.03 mg/l. The WHO has set the guideline value at 1.5 mg/l of fluoride, but mild forms of dental fluorosis begin to occur at lower levels. Above 1.5 mg/l, prolonged intake of fluoride can cause dental fluorosis; 3-6 mg/l, skeletal fluorosis; more than 6 mg/l, crippling skeletal fluorosis. All these complications have no cure. It is very important to prevent both medical and dental complications resulting from low or high fluoride quantities. This research aims to determine the following: level of fluoride in groundwater and surface water, the patterns of fluorosis among individuals in the study areas, and lastly the possible sources of fluoride in the study areas.
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Currently no objects available
Currently no objects available
Currently no objects available