FLUORIDE TOXICITY IN SOIL AND PLANTS: AN OVERVIEW

Fluoride, if present in higher concentration for an extended period of time causes diverse toxic effects not only in plants and soil, but also in human beings. These effects on vegetation are mostly through the fluoride contaminated soil, gases, water as well as dust that alter the morphology and physiology of plants. The damages caused by Fluoride in plants may be chronic or acute and their rigidity is dependent on the duration of the fluoride exposure and concentration. Fluoride toxicity in plants results into the continuous accumulation of fluoride into their subcellular structures which then changes towards biochemical activity. Fluoride toxicity negatively influences growth, germination, photosynthesis, mineral nutrition, respiration, reproduction and activity of cellular enzymes. Further this toxicity is well known to prohibit the action of anti-oxidative enzyme systems such as interfere with cell signaling and superoxide dismutase. Fluoride is also noted to obstruct calcium movement which is crucial for germination. Hence, this review highlights the evidences of fluoride toxicity in soil and its damaging effects on the morphology and physiology of the plants.