The Effectiveness of Home Water Purification Systems on the Amount of Fluoride in Drinking Water

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Water purification systems for domestic use have drawn significant attention over the past few years. This can be related to the improvement of public health and concern for water contamination. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether home water purification systems eliminate the essential materials such as fluoride besides filtrating the heavy ions and other unwanted particles out of water. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In this experimental study, six most frequently used commercial brands of water purifiers were evaluated and compared. Specimens were collected right before and after setting up the device, and 6 months later. Then, spectrophotometry (the Harrison device) was performed to compare fluoride clearance by each home water cleaner device. RESULTS: Based on the data collected from all water purification devices in different locations, the amount of fluoride was significantly different before and right after using home water purifier and six months later (p= 0.001 and p= 0.00, respectively). CONCLUSION: The filtration of water significantly decreased its fluoride concentration. The fluoride content of purified water was approximately as much as zero in some cases.