Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa

Fluoride contamination in drinking water poses a global health risk, affecting millions worldwide, with Africa bearing a disproportionate burden due to unique geological factors like the East African Rift Valley. High fluoride levels in groundwater in these regions contribute to widespread health pr...

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Main Authors: Miraji Hossein, Mwemezi J. Rwiza, Elias Charles Nyanza, Ramadhani Bakari, Asha Ripanda, Salma Nkrumah, Juma Rajabu Selemani, Revocatus L. Machunda
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-12-01
Series:Scientific African
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227624004277
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author Miraji Hossein
Mwemezi J. Rwiza
Elias Charles Nyanza
Ramadhani Bakari
Asha Ripanda
Salma Nkrumah
Juma Rajabu Selemani
Revocatus L. Machunda
author_facet Miraji Hossein
Mwemezi J. Rwiza
Elias Charles Nyanza
Ramadhani Bakari
Asha Ripanda
Salma Nkrumah
Juma Rajabu Selemani
Revocatus L. Machunda
author_sort Miraji Hossein
collection DOAJ
description Fluoride contamination in drinking water poses a global health risk, affecting millions worldwide, with Africa bearing a disproportionate burden due to unique geological factors like the East African Rift Valley. High fluoride levels in groundwater in these regions contribute to widespread health problems, notably dental and skeletal fluorosis, which impair quality of life and economic productivity. This study aims to evaluate the scope of fluoride contamination across continents, examining how Africa compares to regions like Asia, North America, and Europe. While some countries have mitigated contamination through advanced water treatment and regulatory measures, Africa still faces significant challenges due to limited infrastructure and resources. Findings highlight that addressing fluoride contamination in Africa requires a targeted approach, involving affordable treatment solutions, regulatory reforms, and community awareness programs. By outlining these strategies and emphasizing international cooperation, this study underscores the urgency of safeguarding health and well-being across affected African communities.
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series Scientific African
spelling doaj-art-feeccd29cff04088891c9dc3dc9cb1572024-12-21T04:29:22ZengElsevierScientific African2468-22762024-12-0126e02485Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of AfricaMiraji Hossein0Mwemezi J. Rwiza1Elias Charles Nyanza2Ramadhani Bakari3Asha Ripanda4Salma Nkrumah5Juma Rajabu Selemani6Revocatus L. Machunda7Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, P.O. Box 338, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, TanzaniaSchool of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences, P. O Box 447, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, TanzaniaDepartment of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health, and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), P. O Box 1464, Mwanza, TanzaniaDepartment of Petroleum and Energy Engineering, The University of Dodoma, P.O Box 11090, Dodoma, TanzaniaDepartment of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, P.O. Box 338, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania; Corresponding author.Hubei University of Medicine, ChinaSchool of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences, P. O Box 447, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, TanzaniaSchool of Materials, Energy, Water and Environmental Sciences, P. O Box 447, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, TanzaniaFluoride contamination in drinking water poses a global health risk, affecting millions worldwide, with Africa bearing a disproportionate burden due to unique geological factors like the East African Rift Valley. High fluoride levels in groundwater in these regions contribute to widespread health problems, notably dental and skeletal fluorosis, which impair quality of life and economic productivity. This study aims to evaluate the scope of fluoride contamination across continents, examining how Africa compares to regions like Asia, North America, and Europe. While some countries have mitigated contamination through advanced water treatment and regulatory measures, Africa still faces significant challenges due to limited infrastructure and resources. Findings highlight that addressing fluoride contamination in Africa requires a targeted approach, involving affordable treatment solutions, regulatory reforms, and community awareness programs. By outlining these strategies and emphasizing international cooperation, this study underscores the urgency of safeguarding health and well-being across affected African communities.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227624004277Fluoride contaminationWater pollutionHealth implicationsMitigation strategiesDrinking water qualityDefluoridation process
spellingShingle Miraji Hossein
Mwemezi J. Rwiza
Elias Charles Nyanza
Ramadhani Bakari
Asha Ripanda
Salma Nkrumah
Juma Rajabu Selemani
Revocatus L. Machunda
Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa
Scientific African
Fluoride contamination
Water pollution
Health implications
Mitigation strategies
Drinking water quality
Defluoridation process
title Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa
title_full Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa
title_fullStr Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa
title_full_unstemmed Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa
title_short Fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis: A Case of Africa
title_sort fluoride contamination a silent global water crisis a case of africa
topic Fluoride contamination
Water pollution
Health implications
Mitigation strategies
Drinking water quality
Defluoridation process
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468227624004277
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