The Global Challenge of Fluoride Contamination: A Comprehensive Review of Removal Processes and Implications for Human Health and Ecosystems

Abstract

Water resources are vital for humanity, but their quality has degraded in recent years due to increasing industrial activities. One significant issue is fluoride contamination, prevalent worldwide. Fluorides exist in combined states such as calcium fluoride, fluorapatite, and cryolite, originating from industrial processes like aluminum and fertilizer manufacturing. The World Health Organization warns against fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/L in drinking water due to health risks, including dental and skeletal fluorosis. Industrial activities also release fluoride-containing wastes into the environment, endangering ecosystems and human health. Overexposure to fluoride leads to disorders affecting organs including the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Despite fluoride’s benefits in controlled doses, excessive intake causes health problems, as evidenced by rising dental fluorosis cases in Brazil. Thus, effective and affordable fluoride removal strategies are crucial. Various methods exist, including adsorption, membrane technology, ion exchange process, electrodialysis, and electrocoagulation. Regulation of fluoride levels in drinking water is imperative to safeguard public health from its detrimental long-term effects.