Determination of Fluoride Content of Selected Sachet Table Water Sold In Lafia Nasarawa State-Nigeria Using Potentiometric and Photometric Methods

The concentrations of fluoride was determined in various sachet table water samples by using ion selective electrode method and photometric method. It was observed that the water samples contained fluoride concentrations which were within the consumable range that can cause little or no harm to life. In this study, ten (10) brands (which were cimthog table water, mejoi, moha, youngstar, A.C table water, Fambel water, Diras, Suzab water, Tosky table water, Afrique table water, with the sample identity represented as (Sample A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I and J respectively) of different sachet water samples which are marketed in Lafia town were analysed. The fluoride concentrations were found to be within the range of 0.00 mg/L to 1.5 mg/L which were confirmed to fall within the approved lower and upper limit of fluoride concentration by the WHO (2004) and within the desirable limit of Bureau of Indian Standard for drinking water (2010) .The mean concentration of fluoride contained in the water samples(i.e samples A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I and J) using the ISE Methods was within the range of 0.100 mg/L (of sample A) to 0.561 mg/L(of sample J), while that of Photometric Method was within the range of 0.430 mg/L (of sample E) to 0.925 mg/L of samples D and G). Despite being within the maximum permissible limits of WHO and Bureau of Indian Standard, there is need, however for regular investigation in these brands and other brands to ensure that they are always within the save limits. The ion selective electrode method is the most commonly used but in this study the photometric method using bench top Multi parameter Photometer was more sensitive of the two methods.

Keywords: Concentrations, determination, fluoride, sachet table water, Lafia.