Scholarlink

<p>Fluoride contamination has become a growing concern worldwide, including in Tanzania, due to its potential health impacts. This study examined the levels and spatial distribution of water-soluble fluoride (WSF) along the slopes of Mount Meru, comparing cultivated and uncultivated soils. Soil samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory following standard soil analysis procedures. The findings revealed that WSF concentrations in cultivated soils ranged from 11.9 to 366&#xa0;mg/kg, while uncultivated soils ranged from 3.11 to 119.33&#xa0;mg/kg. Notably, about 93.3% of the topsoil in cultivated areas exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guideline of 16.44&#xa0;mg/kg for fluoride in the soil, whereas only 6.67% of uncultivated topsoils surpassed this limit. In the subsoil, 96.67% of cultivated areas exceeded the FAO threshold, compared to 25% in uncultivated areas. The significant differences in WSF levels between these soil types highlight the potential risks associated with agricultural practices, particularly the overuse of agrochemicals and irrigation with fluoride-contaminated water. Addressing these concerns is essential for maintaining soil health and safeguarding food safety. The elevated WSF in cultivated soils is sufficient for plant uptake, potentially accumulating in edible parts and entering the food chain. These results provide critical insights for policymakers, farmers, and public health authorities regarding agrochemical management, contributing to strategies for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental health in fluoride-affected regions.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Assessment of water-soluble fluoride contamination in cultivated and uncultivated soils along the slopes of Mount Meru, Tanzania

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月6日

查看全文
  • Erick Edward,
  • Ruth Moirana,
  • Mwema Felix Mwema,
  • Kelvin Mtei

摘要

Fluoride contamination has become a growing concern worldwide, including in Tanzania, due to its potential health impacts. This study examined the levels and spatial distribution of water-soluble fluoride (WSF) along the slopes of Mount Meru, comparing cultivated and uncultivated soils. Soil samples were collected and analyzed in the laboratory following standard soil analysis procedures. The findings revealed that WSF concentrations in cultivated soils ranged from 11.9 to 366 mg/kg, while uncultivated soils ranged from 3.11 to 119.33 mg/kg. Notably, about 93.3% of the topsoil in cultivated areas exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guideline of 16.44 mg/kg for fluoride in the soil, whereas only 6.67% of uncultivated topsoils surpassed this limit. In the subsoil, 96.67% of cultivated areas exceeded the FAO threshold, compared to 25% in uncultivated areas. The significant differences in WSF levels between these soil types highlight the potential risks associated with agricultural practices, particularly the overuse of agrochemicals and irrigation with fluoride-contaminated water. Addressing these concerns is essential for maintaining soil health and safeguarding food safety. The elevated WSF in cultivated soils is sufficient for plant uptake, potentially accumulating in edible parts and entering the food chain. These results provide critical insights for policymakers, farmers, and public health authorities regarding agrochemical management, contributing to strategies for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental health in fluoride-affected regions.