Geography distribution of iodine in drinking water in Hubei Province

Abstract

Objective To make clear the geography distribution of iodine in drinking water in Hubei Province, and make a provincial distribution map and provide scientific basis for formulating refined prevention and control measures to iodine deficiency disorders in Hubei Province. Methods In 116 counties of Hubei Province, including development zones, scenic zones and farmlands, drinking water samples were collected according to different water supplies (centralized water supply and decentralized water supply). One source water and a tap water sample were collected for a centralized water supply and at least 3 samples for decentralized water supply in a village were collected. Water iodine quantitative detection kit was used to detect the water iodine content and ArcGIS 10.2 to draw the distribution map of water iodine at county level. Results Totally 38 275 water samples were collected, and 83.47% (31 950/38 275) of them were came from decentralized water supply. The water-iodine-concentration median was 4.89 μg/L and 66.28% (25 368/38 275) of them were lower than 10 μg/L. Samples with water-iodine-concentration higher than 150 μg/L were 0.15% (56/38 275), which were distributed in the southern, northern and centre Hubei Province and a few in the east. Conclusions Iodine concentration in drinking water is generally low in Hubei Province. As an important and main measure to prevent iodine deficiency disorders, universal salt iodization (USI) should be carried out as a long-term measure. Districts of iodine content higher than 150 μg/L should be reported to Hubei Provincial Water Resources Department as soon as possible. Key words: Drinking water; Iodine; Geography distribution