Fluoride Detection and Quantification, an Overview from Traditional to Innovative Material-Based Methods

Abstract

Fluorine is the 13th most abundant element on Earth, and fluoride is part of our everyday lives, present in our drinking water, beauty products, and naturally present in food and beverages. It is a key element to increase the resistance of the dental enamel to the acidic bacteria attack and prevent dental decay. However, the ingestion of this anion for an extended period of time and in concentrations over the recommended limits can produce mild to severe health issues, called fluorosis, that can produce incorrect dental enamel formation, reduce the functionality of joints and even affect the bone structure. To avoid these terrible effects, it is necessary to control the fluoride levels in drinkable water, particularly in communities without access to safe water networks. To achieve this goal, the first step is to identify safe water sources and provision portable and reliable sensors to these communities. A major step towards safe water accessibility would be the implementation of these sensors by the proper use of new materials and technologies. Here we present an overview of the traditional quantification methodologies and the new ones for fluoride detection and quantification, and the future trends on portable devices for user-friendly on-point measurements.