Groundwater distribution and fluoride content in the west arsi zone of the oromia region (Ethiopia)

Abstract

In several areas of the world, water distribution and quality influence the local development; moreover water sometimes exceeds the World Health Organisation (WHO) drinking water limits, even if anthropogenic contamination is not present. As example, in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley water distribution influences agriculture and breeding, as well as high concentration of many chemical elements should have a consequence on human health. The present study, carried out by the Department of Earth Science of the University of Turin in cooperation with LVIA, allowed a better understanding of the main hydrochemical features and groundwater distribution in the south-centre of the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley (MER). The research consisted in a census of the main water point (springs and wells) in the District of Shashemene, Arsi Negelle and Siraro; each of them have been examined with field instruments so that main physical features of the water and fluoride content have been defined.