HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF FLUORINE CONTENT IN DRINKING WATER FROM UNDERGROUND SOURCES OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

Objectives. Endemic fluorosis, conditioned by excess fluoride, presents a major medical and social problem for many countries in the world, including the Republic of Moldova. The aim of the study is the hygienic assess of the fluoride content in groundwater, in the country, and the delimitation of endemic areas with surplus or fluoride deficiency. The Republic of Moldova is also affected by endemic fluorosis, being considered a biogeochemical area in terms of excess fluoride in some localities. Materials and methods. The results of the investigations, performed within the audit monitoring of the drinking water quality from underground sources, from all the territorial administrative units of the Republic of Moldova, for the period 2015-2019 were evaluated. Based on the results obtained, the data on the average fluorine concentrations in the underground sources of drinking water supply of the population were mapped. Results and discussions. The average concentrations of fluoride in the water of the artesian wells of the republic, exceeding the maximum allowable limit, in the range of 1.5-3.0 mg/l, were recorded in 7 territorial administrative units, where the estimated values varied in the range of 1.78 to 2.07 mg/l. The averages of the fluorine concentration, exceeding the maximum limit in the range of 3.0-6.0 mg/l, were registered in 3 territorial administrative units of the republic, and the averages of the fluorine concentration of over 6.0 mg/l were characteristic for 2 territorial administrative units (Ungheni and Nisporeni districts, corresponding to 9.2±0.73 mg/l and 6.18±0.85 mg/l). Conclusions. The results of the current study confirm that the Republic of Moldova is a biogeochemical area, in terms of excess fluoride in the environment. Obviously, the population in the mentioned areas has an increased risk of endemic fluorosis, with the induction of severe and very serious forms, including children