Fluoride Concentrations of Bottled and Polysachet waters in Jos

Objective: This study examined fluoride concentrations of commercially available bottled and sachet water products and determined if significant differences existed among these products and the municipal water. Methods: The values were compared to the maximum acceptable optimal fluoride level (0.04 - 0.60ppm) recommended for North-Central Zone of Nigeria. Seven bottled and 11 sachet waters were purchased from local stores and a sample obtained from the municipal water supply. Fluoride levels were determined by the SPADNS Reagent Photometric method. Results: The mean fluoride level of bottled, sachet and municipal waters were 0.6971ppm, 0.6155ppm and 0.6200ppm respectively. The results showed significant differences in fluoride concentrations of bottled and sachet waters (t0.05=2.628, P=0.039) and between fluoride concentrations of bottled and municipal water (t0.05= 2.483, P=0.048). There is however no significant difference between sachet and municipal water (t0.05=-0.082, P=0.936). 14.3% (n=1) of the bottled water contained recommended optimal fluoride level while 85.7% (n=6) had more than the recommended fluoride level. 27.3% (n=3) of the sachet waters contained recommended optimal fluoride level, while 72.7% (n=8) had more than the recommended fluoride level. Conclusion: The mean fluoride levels of sachet waters approximates that of municipal water. The consumption of packaged and municipal waters by children under 5years within this zone could result in the occurrence of dental fluorosis in the community. There is naturally occurring fluorides in the water bodies of this LGA.