Determination of levels of fluoride and trace metal ions in drinking water and remedial measures to purify water

Fluoride is recognized to the most effective caries-preventive agent. The main source for fluoride for people is generally food and drinking water. For this reason fluoride and other metal ion concentrations in the drinking water samples were estimated. For the determination of fluoride, Na, Li and K an ion- meter and flame photometer were used.While the other concentrations of other metal ions (Mn, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Fe Zn and Cu) were estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Statistical parameters and multiple correlations between paired water samples were also calculated. for the purification of water, adsorption technique was adopted using Al2O3 and Al2O3 -Pb0.1.Al2O3--Pb0.01 doping systems. Adsorption isotherm equations were also applied to calculate values of respective constants. Thermodynamic parameters(ΔGo,ΔHo and ΔSo) were also calculated. according to the results obtained, the metal ion concentration in the drinking water in the studied area are within the safe drinking water regulation limits and also fluoride levels is lower than the permissible limit for fluoride. (author)