Potential risk of drinking water to human health in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A total of 1,304 well water samples from Sri Lanka were analyzed to assess the potential risk of drinking water to human health. Fluoride concentration of more than 1.0 mg/L was found in 20% of the wells, especially in the dry zone where CKDu is prevalent. Fluoride is a suspected cause of CKDu in the region. Nitrate concentrations of more than 50 mg/L were recorded in 2.2% of the wells in areas with intense agricultural activity. Arsenic concentrations of more than 10 µg/L were found in 0.9% of the wells. Contaminated well water could pose a potential risk to human health.