ASSESSMENT OF FLUORIDE CONTENT IN THE RIVER WATER UZH AND LATORITSIA

Abstract

The fluoride content in the waters of the Uzh and Latorytsia rivers was assessed (2020, all seasons). The basins of the studied rivers have complex tectonics and geology. It was found that the total content of fluorides in the water of the Uzh River is low (23.7-61.5 μg×L-1) and relatively stable over time. There are no natural and anthropogenic sources of fluoride pollution of river water. Variation of the total content of fluorides in water downstream occurs due to the geochemical characteristics of the river basin. The highest fluoride content is observed near the Uzhhorod city. It is shown that the content of biologically available forms (not chemically bonded) of fluorides in the water of the Uzh River is extremely low (2.2-4.8 μg×L-1). This can lead to fluoride deficiency in the region's residents, who use the Uzh River water as a source of drinking water.
 The total content of fluorides in the water of the Latorytsia River varies between 31.4-67.6 μg×L-1, which is to some extent comparable to the content in the Uzh River. Variation of fluoride content along the river is due to the geochemical characteristics of the river basin, the highest fluoride content in the water of the Latorytsia River is observed near Mukachevo city. It was also found that the content of biologically available forms of fluorides in the water of the Latorytsia River is extremely low (2.9-5.6 μg×L-1). Therefore, if the residents of the region use the water of the Latorytsia River as a source of drinking water, fluoride deficiency is possible. In general, the content of fluorides in the river waters of the Transcarpathian region is relatively low. The results of the research will be used for the planning the diet of residents of these regions of Transcarpathia.