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Fluoride accumulation and toxicity in wild small mammals
I C Boulton1, J A Cooke, M S Johnson
1Ecology Centre, School of Environment, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Small mammals in fluoride-contaminated grasslands showed higher skeletal fluoride levels and severe dental lesions. Fluoride speciation influenced bioassimilation and damage severity in field voles and bank voles.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Mammalogy
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Industrial activities release fluoride into the environment, posing risks to wildlife.
- Small mammals like voles are sensitive indicators of ecosystem health.
- Fluoride exposure can impact skeletal and dental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess fluoride concentrations in skeletal tissues of voles.
- To investigate morphological dental changes in voles exposed to industrial fluoride.
- To determine the relationship between fluoride speciation and bioassimilation in small mammals.
Main Methods:
- Field vole (Microtus agrestis L.) and bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus L.) populations were sampled from grasslands with varying industrial fluoride contamination.
- Fluoride concentrations in skeletal tissues (bones and teeth) were analyzed.
- Dental morphology, specifically incisor and molar teeth, was examined for lesions and abnormalities.
Main Results:
- Fluoride concentrations in teeth and bones were significantly higher in bank voles compared to field voles at chemical works and smelter sites.
- Both species exhibited severe dental lesions at chemical works and smelter sites, with less pronounced damage near mine tailings.
- Inter-site variations in fluoride speciation correlated with observed bioassimilation and dental damage.
Conclusions:
- Fluoride contamination from industrial sources significantly impacts vole populations.
- Bank voles accumulate higher fluoride levels than field voles in contaminated environments.
- Fluoride speciation is a critical factor determining its bioavailability and toxic effects on small mammal dentition.