Fluoride has beneficial effects on teeth at low concentrations in drinking
water, but excessive exposure to fluoride in drinking water can give rise to adverse
effects ranged from dental fluorosis to crippling skeletal fluorosis. As knowledge of
fluoride level in drinking water is of importance in dental and skeletal health, yet this
information is lacking, at national level, in Libya. Therefore, the aim of this study is
to reveal out the accurate information through drinking water quality, analysis and
scientific study of fluoride distribution which are necessary to understand sources and
levels of fluoride contamination. Water samples were collected from government
ground water supply from different regions in the north-western districts. The fluoride
concentration was determined using a Lanthanum Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode.
The fluoride level was in the range of 0.01 and 3.9 ppm respectively. In general, the
fluoride level in the north-western Libyan districts drinking water supplies is above
the WHO recommended level of 0.7 ppm in hot climate countries. It is, therefore,
recommended water fluoridation must not be considered in drinking water supply.
Keywords: geographical mapping, drinking water, fluoride, water fluoridation.