@ARTICLE{Nogara_Ezeldin_I._Seasonal_2025,
 author={Nogara, Ezeldin I. and Anim-Gyampo, Maxwell and Ganiyu, Shaibu A.},
 number={No 65},
 journal={Journal of Water and Land Development},
 howpublished={online},
 year={2025},
 publisher={Polish Academy of Sciences; Institute of Technology and Life Sciences - National Research Institute},
 abstract={Groundwater contamination with fluoride is a major global issue, contributing to 65% of endemic fluorosis cases worldwide. This study evaluates the seasonal variations in groundwater fluoride concentrations and their connection to health risks in the Tolon District, Ghana. A total of ninety-seven groundwater samples were examined over two seasons to assess fluoride (F−) concentrations. Levels of F− varied from undetectable levels to 1.30 mg∙dm−3 and had an average of 0.24 mg∙dm−3 during the rainy season. In the dry season, it varied from undetectable levels to 2.08 mg∙dm−3 and had an average of 0.36 mg∙dm−3. Significant spatial and temporal variations were observed, with lower fluoride levels in the northern part of the area and higher levels in the southern region during both seasons. Approximately 84% and 74% of samples fell into group I (optimal for dental health), and 16% and 21% into group II (moderate risk of dental fluorosis) during rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Additionally, 5% of the samples during the dry season fell into group III (high risk of dental fluorosis). Hazard quotient (HQ) values for fluoride varied widely, with higher risks observed in children compared to adults during both seasons. This study highlights that children in the Tolon district face greater risks of fluorosis than adults, emphasising the need for targeted mitigation strategies. The research contributes significantly to addressing the pressing global issue of water quality and public health, offering insights that can guide both immediate interventions and long-term sustainability efforts in affected regions.},
 type={Article},
 title={Seasonal fluctuations in groundwater fluoride concentration and health risk assessment: Tolon District, Northern Ghana},
 URL={http://ochroma.man.poznan.pl/Content/135119/2025-02-JWLD-07.pdf},
 doi={10.24425/jwld.2025.154250},
 keywords={fluoride contamination, groundwater, health risk, spatio-temporal variation, Tolon district},
}