Fluoride contamination caused by geological processes in groundwater and its effects on human health

People need healthy and high quality drinking water in order to maintain their healthilly. In this context, the suitability of water quality in terms of drinking water is important. Therefore, the parameters affecting the quality of water cause risks in terms of health. In this context, it is aimed to investigate fluoride values in groundwater and health risks related to it, especially in the center of Bitlis, where volcanic rocks are intensive, and in settlements of Güroymak, Tatvan, Ahlat and Adilcevaz districts. Water temperature, pH, EC and fluoride measurements were made in water samples taken from 30 points, taking into account the 18-25 June 2019 rainy season and the 17-18 September dry period, between June 2019 and September 2019. The data obtained were calculated according to the US EPA method of fluoride pollution index (FPI) assessment, fluoride risk index (FRI) and total hazard index (THI), which expresses non-carcinogenic risk. As a result, in the fluoride measurements made, the highest value was measured as 2.02 mg/L at S19 (Toki 1) point in the rainy period. In the dry period, the highest value was measured as 3.26 mg/L at S15 (Örenlik1). Also, flouride values were mesurered 2.21 mg/L at S5 (Sarıkum1), 2.18 mg/L at S10 (Gölbaşı 1), 2.5 mg/L at S24 (Gölbaşı 4), and 2.2 mg/L S28 (Kıyıdüzü1) as high in the dry season. It was measured at 2.2 mg/L. In terms of FPI and FRI values for Bitlis and its districts, it has been determined that the ground waters are becoming polluted. In terms of health risk, no carcinogenic effect of fluoride was found.