Disminución de concentración de flúor en agua utilizando un sistema de filtración con zeolita

Abstract

The presence of high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water poses a health risk, as overexposure to this element can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis. Even though fluoride strengthens teeth and eliminates microorganisms from plaque, finding ways to filter fluoride from water is primarily justified to prevent the pathologies. Objective: To evaluate the fluoride removal capacity of a homemade filter made from clinoptilolite zeolite to avoid the risk of toxicity from high fluoride consumption. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental in vitro before-and-after study was conducted. Initially, six water samples from the Ojito spring and the Verdal aqueduct were analyzed, determining fluoride concentrations between 0.66 and 6.90 mg/L using CANW-VIS spectrophotometry. Very high fluoride concentrations (1.52–6.90 mg/L), harmful to health, were found in the Verdal water samples. In addition, three prototypes of household filters with varying zeolite thicknesses were designed and evaluated to reduce fluoride levels. Results: A non-detectable (N.D.) response for fluoride concentration was observed in 15 of the 18 tests. Furthermore, prototype 2 demonstrated stability throughout all six tests, maintaining final concentrations of 0 mg/L in all cases. Conclusion: The research revealed elevated fluoride levels in the water sources of Cepitá, associated with a potential risk of dental fluorosis. As a preventative alternative, household filters using clinoptilolite zeolite were designed, with the 2 cm prototype standing out for its greater effectiveness in fluoride removal. Moreover, the system proved to be an economical and viable option for rural communities.