Enhanced Fluoride in Groundwater in Eastern Anatolia: Effects, Origin and Possibilities for Remediation

Abstract

In the spring of 2002 and summer of 2003 two research surveys were carried out in eastern Anatolia. The hydrogeological/hydrochemical investigations undertaken in the spring of 2002 revealed a dramatic situation of the water supply in several villages in the Dogubeyazit area, manifesting fluoride concentrations largely above the 1 ppm WHO limit of fluoride concentration in drinking water. The severity of the resulting health problems was confirmed by a dental and general health survey in three villages where the available water supply contained 6–8 ppm of fluoride. Consequently, this hydrogeological study will attempt to contribute to the alleviation of this problem by the following: (i) to survey the existing situation with regards to the current use of groundwater provided by the existing springs, and boreholes, (ii) to propose a new distribution network of groundwater resources with low fluoride concentration in order to lower its intake thus improving health and quality of life of the affected population.