Research into the levels of fluorine in the drinking water sources of Cappadoccia, Turkey and into fluorosis in sheep in the region.

摘要

The levels of fluorine in drinking water in the Cappadoccia region, which is surrounded by three volcanic mountains, as well as the existence and prevalence of fluorosis in sheep in the region were investigated. The research was carried out on a total of 62 water samples from different water sources in the Urgup district of Cappadoccia where there is considerable stock-breeding, and subsequently in Goreme, Avanos, central Nevsehir and the surrounding villages. Ten water samples, regularly monitoredfor fluorine levels, were collected from sources around Kadikoy, Avcilar, Tekirdag, Corlu and Edirne; these served as control. All samples were evaluated during the week of collection; fluorine levels were measured using an Orion Model 409 fluorine Selective Electrode (Solid-State, BNC). In addition, 300 sheep belonging to various herds, brought to slaughterhouses in Nevsehir and Urgup, were examined for fluorosis. The average level of fluorine was 0.254±0.065 (ppm) in the experimental group and 0.343±0.095 in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Clinical examination of sheep did not reveal any important clinical signs of fluorosis. It was determined that the levels of fluorine in the water in the region of Cappadoccia were not high, and there were no clinical findings of fluorosis in sheep despite the fact that this is a volcanic region. It was therefore concluded that no chronic fluorosis problem exists in Cappadoccia.