Uptake, transport and accumulation of inorganic fluorides by plants and animals.

AbstractThis paper provides the scientific basis for interpreting the variation of fluoride content of the air, soil, water, plants and animals, and demonstrates how fluorides move in the biosphere. An outline of the dispersion and dilution of inorganic fluorides in air and their concentrations near pollution sources is given. The rates of fluoride deposition from the air to soil and its effects on soil concentrations and soil solutions are discussed. The fluoride concentrations in some plants, fluoride speciation in leaves as well as the uptake, deposition of particulates and translocation of airborne fluoride (e.g. hydrofluoric acid) are examined. Also reviewed are the fluoride uptake by grass swards, rainfall and pasture-grass fluoride, and the loss of fluoride from other vegetation. Finally, fluoride uptake by animals is discussed, including inhalation, deposition on the outer surfaces and ingestion, and bioavailability fluoride retention, feeding strategy and trophic level.