TITLE:
Spatial Distribution and Potential Health Risk Assessment of Fluoride and Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwater from Mbour-Fatick Area, Western Central Senegal
AUTHORS:
Mathias Diedhiou, Seyni Ndoye, Awa Diagne, Arnaud Gauthier, Stephan Whonlich, Serigne Faye, Philippe Le Coustumer
KEYWORDS:
Fluoride, Nitrate, Groundwater Quality, Human Health Risk, Western Central Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.16 No.11,
November
19,
2024
ABSTRACT: This study aims to delineate the spatial distribution of nitrate and fluoride in groundwater and to estimate the non-carcinogenic risks using the human health risk assessment model recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Forty-two samples were collected from wells and boreholes and analyzed for nitrate, fluoride and other water quality parameters. Results of the study indicate that fluoride and nitrate concentrations vary respectively from 0.13 to 9.41 mg·L−1 and from 0.13 to 432.24 mg·L−1 with respective median values of 2.65 and 13.85. About 69% of groundwater samples exceed the allowable limit (1.5 mg·L−1) of fluoride for drinking water. Spatial distribution of fluoride shows high concentrations in certain localities with values ranging from 6.74 mg·L−1 to 9.41 mg·L−1. The spatial distribution of nitrate indicates that the majority of water samples (87.18%) have nitrate concentrations lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard guideline value of 50 mg·L−1. Assessment of non-carcinogenic risks associated with intake of polluted groundwater in local populations indicates that 82.05% and 87.18% of groundwater samples have a THI > 1 in adults and children, respectively. However, the highest THI value (15.87) was recorded for children suggesting that children face greater non-carcinogenic risks than adults. The results of this study can be used as a support by the policymakers and practitioners to develop appropriate policies for effective and sustainable groundwater management and to monitor human health implications.