Fluoride pollution of atmospheric precipitation and its relationship with air circulation and weather patterns (Wielkopolski National Park, Poland)

Abstract

A 2-year study (2010–2011) of fluorides in atmospheric precipitation in the open area and in throughfall in Wielkopolski National Park (west-central Poland) showed their high concentrations, reaching a maximum value of 2 mg/l under the tree crowns. These high values indicate substantial deposition of up to 52 mg/m2/year. In 2011, over 51 % of open area precipitation was characterized by fluoride concentration higher than 0.10 mg/l, and in throughfall such concentrations were found in more than 86 % of events. In 2010, a strong connection was evident between fluoride and acid-forming ions, and in 2011, a correlation between phosphate and nitrite ions was seen. Analysis of available data on F− concentrations in the air did not show an unequivocal effect on F− concentrations in precipitation. To find reasons for and source areas of high fluoride pollution, the cases of extreme fluoride concentration in rainwater were related to atmospheric circulation and weather patterns. Weather conditions on days of extreme pollution were determined by movement of weather fronts over western Poland, or by small cyclonic centers with meteorological fronts. Macroscale air advection over the sampling site originated in the western quadrant (NW, W, and SW), particularly in the middle layers of the troposphere (2,500–5,000 m a.s.l.). Such directions indicate western Poland and Germany as possible sources of the pollution. At the same time in the lower troposphere, air inflow was frequently from the north, showing short distance transport from local emitters, and from the agglomeration of Poznań.

Source Identification of Acid Rain Arising over Northeast China: Observed Evidence and Model Simulation

“…It is worthy to note that, the high concentration of F -(30.5 and 20 µeq L -1 ) is loading in local and W-N-NW sector, which is much more higher than that in Dalian (with highest concentration of 17.4 µeq L -1 in W-N-NW sector) although the latter is more affected by the industrial emissions. As we known, the F -in the precipitation is mainly originated from the anthropogenic emission such as coal burning, as well as the natural emissions like the volcanic eruption and the sea salt (Friend, 1989;Saether et al, 1995;Walna et al, 2013) ). This reveals strong impact of transboundary pollution from Korea peninsula on Dandong.…”

Fluorine: a biohazardous agent for plants and phytoremediation strategies for its removal from the environment

“…F released into the atmosphere from anthropogenic sources; it hydrolyzes into corrosive hydrogen F (HF), which reacts with materials in aerosols and vapour to form non-volatile stable Fs (Hong et al 2016). High content of atmospheric F, reaching a maximum value of 2 mg kg -1 (total air) was reported during atmospheric precipitation in Poland (Walna et al 2013). It has been seen that HF content as low as 1 μg kg -1 (total air) can initiate injuries in the sensitive plants (Gupta et al 2009).…”

Fluoride Toxicity in Animals

“…For example, In Poland, F concentration in atmospheric precipitation (rain and snow) was found as high as 2 mg/L, whereas the F concentration in the atmosphere was within the normal range. In this case, high F concentration in rain was attributed to the flow of polluted air from far-off western Poland and Germany (Walna et al 2013). Hence, fluoride analysis in rainwater is always advisable.…”