The Accumulation of Fluorine by Plants

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Abstract
The accumulation and distribution of fluorine (F) in -plant leaves have been studied to better understand the response of plants to concentrations of atmospheric fluoride (F) that are similar to those found in urban or industrial areas. The results indicate that F from the air can be adsorbed to the surface of leaves as well as accumulated internally and that F in leaves can be translocated outward to the surface as well as upward to the tips. F injury and accumulation can be induced in any desired location on a gladiolus blade by restricting gas exchange of the blade, indicating that all parts of a blade are sensitive to F-induced injury. It is, therefore, suggested that the wide differences often found between plant species and varieties with respect to both susceptibility to injury and degree of F accumulation may be explained by differences in the means of accumulation, trans-location, and distribution of F. F remains in a soluble form in plant leaves and maintains the chemical properties of free, inorganic F. The solubility and mobility of F and the ease of removal from plant tissues indicate that irreversible binding to cellular components does not occur.

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