Incorporation of Fluoride in Vegetation and Associated Biochemical Changes Due to Fluoride Contamination in Water and Soil: A Comparative Field Study

Abstract

High fluoride concentrations in natural groundwater of Nowapara and Junidpur villages of the Birbhum District in India has recently been highlighted as a serious environmental concern. A study has been conducted to estimate fluoride concentrations and water quality along with the translocation of fluoride into vegetables through soil and the stress effect of fluoride on some biochemical parameters in this area. The result has been compared with a non-contaminated area of Burdwan University farm of the Burdwan District as a control zone by collecting equal numbers and types of samples. The results showed a positive correlation of fluoride concentration with depth, indicating higher concentrations of fluoride in drinking water drawn from deep tubewells in this semi-arid region. A high bioconcentration factor (BCF) of fluoride in vegetables imposes a high health risk due to fluoride intake both from water and vegetation. Probable exposure to the inhabitants of these villages is speculated due to changed biochemical parameters like chlorophyll, sugar, amino acid, ascorbic acid and protein in the vegetables as a result of fluoride stress. In the future, ground water monitoring to supply safe drinking water may be an effective way against the negative impact of fluoride on the inhabitants.

Permanent URL: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/d20002754