Comprehensive Fluoride evaluation in the Maku-Bazargan-Poldasht area

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

2 Faculty of Civil engineering and Environment, LSU, USA.

3 Faculty of Electronic and Computer, PSU, USA.

10.22059/jwim.2023.352593.1038

Abstract

 The primary objective of this research is to comprehensively investigate fluoride concentration in the Maku-Bazargan-Poldasht area, located in the north of West Azerbaijan province. In October 2021, 60 samples were collected from various water resources in the region. The fluoride concentration ranged from 0.39 to 9.89 mg/L, with more than 50% of the samples exceeding the World Health Organization's standard. This study investigated into the correlation between fluoride and other elements, assessed various processes influencing fluoride levels, investigated its effects on humans and plants, and utilized multivariate statistical techniques to determine contributing processes and factors. Moreover, it examined fluoride concentration fluctuations over the past 15 years across different water resources (Deep wells, Shalow well, Springs, Qanats, and Surface water) for the first time. The assessment of fluoride included multiple dimensions related to this element. Comparing fluoride levels across various water sources revealed that Deep wells exhibited the highest fluoride concentrations due to the long residence time of water within the aquifer matrix. This study also highlighted, for the first time, the correlation between high fluoride concentrations and plant diseases such as necrosis and chlorosis in specific parts of the study area. Bivariate plots indicated that processes involving carbonate dissolution and ion exchange contributed to increased fluoride and carbonate concentrations in the area. Furthermore, an analysis of changes in fluoride concentration in 12 sampling stations indicated an eightfold average increase in anomaly intensity over the past 15 years in these stations. Employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Factor Analysis (FA), the research identified three groups and three factors, confirming that fluoride anomalies are natural, while nitrate anomalies originate from human activities within the study area.

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Main Subjects

References

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Water and Irrigation Management
Volume 14, Issue 3
December 2024
Pages 583-600

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