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Fluoride effects on the mulberry-silkworm system
Abstract:
Absorption and accumulation of fluoride (F) from ambient air by mulberry leaves, and its transfer and effects on silkworm development, were examined. When the concentration of F in air exceeded 1.5 microg dm(-2). day (-1), using lime filter papers as static monitors, the F content of mulbery leaves was more than 30 ppm, the threshold for injury to silkworm larvae. Fluoride-polluted mulberry leaves inhibited growth and development of silkworms. Leaves containing more than 80 ppm F severely inhibited cocoon production. Fluoride was absorbed from the atmosphere by the mulberry leaf and was transferred to the silkworm, soil, water, and back to the atmosphere, forming a cycle.
Insights
Fluoride absorbed by mulberry leaves from air harms silkworms. High fluoride levels in leaves inhibit silkworm growth and severely reduce cocoon production, indicating an environmental impact on sericulture.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Entomology
Background:
- Fluoride (F) is an atmospheric pollutant.
- Mulberry leaves are a primary food source for silkworms.
- Understanding fluoride's impact on agriculture and livestock is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fluoride absorption by mulberry leaves from ambient air.
- To determine the effects of fluoride-contaminated mulberry leaves on silkworm development.
- To elucidate the environmental cycle of fluoride in a mulberry-silkworm ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring ambient air fluoride concentrations using lime filter papers.
- Quantifying fluoride content in mulberry leaves.
- Assessing silkworm growth, development, and cocoon production based on leaf fluoride levels.
Main Results:
- Mulberry leaves absorbed fluoride from ambient air.
- Fluoride levels in leaves exceeding 30 ppm (when air F > 1.5 microg dm(-2).day(-1)) injured silkworm larvae.
- Leaves with >80 ppm fluoride severely inhibited cocoon production.
- Fluoride was observed to cycle between leaves, silkworms, soil, and atmosphere.
Conclusions:
- Atmospheric fluoride poses a significant risk to silkworm cultivation.
- Mulberry leaves act as accumulators and vectors of fluoride toxicity.
- The fluoride cycle impacts agricultural ecosystems and necessitates environmental monitoring.
