A Short Review on Fluoride and Arsenic Constituents in Nigerian Groundwater Networks: Causes, Effects and Suggested Removal Methods

Abstract

The quality of water cannot be overlooked as it is an important element required by every being in existence. Water majorly is used as drinking water and if not properly looked after could lead to various health and environmental issues. Fluoride and arsenic are naturally occurring pollutants with their sources being traced to either anthropogenic or geogenic contributions. It is imperative to note that excessive consumption of fluoride and arsenic in water could result to serious health challenges. Elevated constituents of fluoride and arsenic in water have been reported in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, but their concentrations are more prevalent in the north. The contaminants have been traced to some activities such as mining, improper disposal sites, agricultural practices, industrial effluents among others. Adsorption process has been suggested as the cost effective and environmentally friendly defluoridation, while nanofiltration membranes is the best removal process for arsenic in water.