Monitoring Fluoride with Honey Bees in the Upper Snake River Plain of Idaho

Based on residue concentrations in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), we mapped the spatial distribution of fluoride across much of the upper Snake River Plain in southeastern Idaho. Our results suggest that facilities at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) intermittently release this chemical. These emissions affect localized areas on the INEL and probably contribute little fluoride to the surrounding region. Phosphate ore processing near Pocatello, ID, is a recurrent fluoride source and influences a wide area, possibly even the INEL. These results are reviewed with respect to anthropogenic and natural sources of fluoride. We also compare bee fluoride concentrations to those reported for lichens, vegetation, and soils in southern Idaho.