Water Fluoride Levels in Fiji

Objectives: To determine the levels of fluoride in the drinking water of the three major islands of Fiji. Methods: For each location three water samples were collected and stored in plastic containers from naturally occuring or plumbed water and was analysed by spectrophotometry. Results: The testing apparatus showed a high level of sensitivity with little inertexaminer difference. A wide range of fluoride levels were found on each island. On the largest island (Viti Levu) the range was 0.45-1.52 ppm. On the second largest island (Vana Levu) the range was 0.11-0.90 ppm. On the third largest island (Taveuni) the range was 0.11-0.79 ppm. The capital city Suva has the only water supply that has artificially supplemented fluoride and contained the highest level of fluoride from all samples (1.52 ppm). Conclusions: Naturally occurring fluoride is present in water sources around Fiji with a wide range in concentrations. Underground water had higher levels of fluoride in comparison to river water. The water authorities supplying the capital city may wish to consider a fluoride level monitoring program to obtain optimum fluoride levels, as currently levels exceed those considered optimum.