The accumulation of fluoride by marine and intertidal animals.

Author: Wright DA, Davison AW.

Source: Environmental Pollution.

Year: 1975

Comment:

Abstract / Excerpt:

In this paper we report on a preliminary investigation into the accumulation of fluoride by a number of marine and intertidal animals. The work was prompted by the recent building of an aluminium smelter at Lynemouth in Northumberland which discharges a fluoride-loaded effluent into the sea. However, dilution by seawater renders contamination negligible and it is suggested that tissue fluoride concentrations represent background levels for the animals studied.

In both vertebrates and invertebrates, fluoride is largely accumulated in skeletal structures. There is little or no accumulation in soft, edible tissues, with the exception of fish skin.

Preliminary toxicity tests were carried out on a number of marine invertebrates. Even at unnaturally high ambient fluoride levels, no adverse effects were seen, except possibly in the case of the filter-feeding mollusc Mytilus edulis.

Citation: Wright DA, Davison AW. The accumulation of fluoride by marine and intertidal animals. Environmental Pollution. 1975; 8(1):1-3.