Fluoride content of available bottled drinking water in Tripoli, Libya
الملخص
Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the fluoride content of bottled water brands available in the market of Tripoli city and to measure if it is consistent with local standards. A total of 23 commercially available brands were collected and examined for fluoride content. 22 samples were locally produced and one was imported. The average fluoride levels of each sample was determined using the procedure outline in the Palintest photometer method and then compared with the fluoride content printed on the bottle labels. In all bottled water brands investigated, 19 brands of the analyzed samples did not state the fluoride levels on the labels of the bottles. The determined fluoride concentrations ranged from 0 to 2.75 ppm. For each brand, the fluoride level was not similar to the labeled fluoride. 82.6% (19 brands) had a fluoride content lower than the Libyan standards, 1 brands had a fluoride content higher than the Libyan standards, and 7 brands had zero fluoride content. All the samples examined had fluoride content outside the range regulated by Libyan standards. There was a significant variation between the F levels stated by the manufacturer on the bottle labels and the values measured during the investigation.