‘Hidden hot springs’ as a source of groundwater fluoride and severe dental fluorosis in Malawi

Addison, M. J. et al. (2021) ‘Hidden hot springs’ as a source of groundwater fluoride and severe dental fluorosis in Malawi. Water, 13(8), 1106. (doi: 10.3390/w13081106)

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Abstract

Hidden hot springs likely impact rural water supplies in Malawi’s Rift Valley with excess dissolved fluoride leading to localised endemic severe dental fluorosis. Predicting their occurrence is a challenge; Malawi’s groundwater data archive is sporadic and incomplete which prevents the application of standard modelling techniques. A creative alternative method to predict hidden hot spring locations was developed using a synthesis of proxy indicators (geological, geochemical, dental) and is shown to be at least 75% effective. An exciting collaboration between geoscientists and dentists allowed corroboration of severe dental fluorosis with hydrogeological vulnerability. Thirteen hidden hot springs were identified based on synthesised proxy indicators. A vulnerability prediction map for the region was developed and is the first of its kind in Malawi. It allows improved groundwater fluoride prediction in Malawi’s rift basin which hosts the majority of hot springs. Moreover, it allows dentists to recognise geological control over community oral health. Collaborative efforts have proven mutually beneficial, allowing both disciplines to conduct targeted research to improve community wellbeing and health and inform policy development in their respective areas. This work contributes globally in developing nations where incomplete groundwater data and vulnerability to groundwater contamination from hydrothermal fluoride exist in tandem.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Macpherson, Professor Lorna and McMahon, Dr Alex and Conway, Professor David and Bagg, Professor Jeremy
Creator Roles:
McMahon, A. D.Validation, Data curation, Writing – review and editing
Macpherson, L. M.D.Methodology, Validation, Writing – review and editing
Bagg, J.Methodology, Validation, Resources, Writing – review and editing, Supervision
Conway, D. I.Methodology, Validation, Writing – review and editing
Authors: Addison, M. J., Rivett, M. O., Phiri, O. L., Milne, N., Milne, V., McMahon, A. D., Macpherson, L. M.D., Bagg, J., Conway, D. I., Phiri, P., Manda, I., Mbalame, E., and Kalin, R. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
Journal Name:Water
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:2073-4441
ISSN (Online):2073-4441
Published Online:17 April 2021
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Water 13(8): 1106
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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