Soil Pollution by Fluoride in India: Distribution, Chemistry and Analytical Methods

Fluoride is an essential element required for normal development and growth of the body at trace level but is highly toxic at concentration above 1.5 μg ml−1. Pollution of soil by fluoride in India is an old problem but least given the attention. In India, the problem of F− contamination was first reported in groundwater from Andhra Pradesh in 1937. Since then, the cases of fluoride contamination of soil and water are increasing day by day. Presently, in India, 19 states are highly affected from the pollution of fluoride in groundwater and soil. Major source of fluoride in India is mainly from the fluoride-containing rocks, use of phosphate fertilizers, and emission of smelters.