The Effectiveness of Home Water Purification Systems on the Amount of Fluoride in Drinking Water
Abstract
Statement of the Problem
Water purification systems for domestic use have drawn significant attention over the past few years. This can be related to the improvement of public health and concern for water contamination.
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether home water purification systems eliminate essential materials such as fluoride besides filtrating the heavy ions and other unwanted particles out of water.
Materials and Method
In this experimental study, the six most frequently used commercial brands of water purifiers were evaluated and compared. Specimens were collected right before and after setting up the device, and 6 months later. Then, spectrophotometry (the Harrison device) was performed to compare fluoride clearance by each home water cleaner device.
Results
Based on the data collected from all water purification devices in different locations, the amount of fluoride was significantly different before and right after using the home water purifier and six months later (p= 0.001 and p= 0.00, respectively).
Conclusion
The filtration of water significantly decreased its fluoride concentration. The fluoride content of purified water was approximately as much as zero in some cases. Keywords: Water Purification, Fluoride, SpectrophotometryGo to:
Introduction
Fluoride is a natural element branched from Fluorine. This element can be found in all sorts of water and soil. Out of every kilogram of the outer layer of earth, 0.3 gram is fluoride. Mineral waters have more amount of this element compared to other sources.(1)
About 60 years ago, Grand Rapids in Michigan State was the first city in which fluoride supplement was synthetically added to tap water. In US, adding fluoride to community water supplies of many cities has improved the oral health of millions of American citizens.(2)
Fluoridation of community water supplies is adding a specific amount …