Hazardous Effects of Fluoride and Its Removal Techniques: A Review

Abstract

Fluorine (F) is highly electronegative in nature and reactive non-metal element. It is rarely found in pure form. It is found in combined form with other elements except oxygen and noble gases. An inorganic monoatomic F anion is called fluoride (F⎺). Although F⎺ is the reason for healthy teeth and bones, excess F⎺ can be detrimental to human and animal health. The rising prevalence of F⎺ related problems with human, animal, and plant health is mostly due to natural geological sources and expanding industrialization. The main source of daily F⎺ consumption in human is potable water. Dental and skeletal fluorosis is caused by F⎺ concentrations that are above the recommended limits. Some other effects include programmed cell-death, endocytosis, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, joint pain, weakness of muscles, non-ulcer dyspepsia, polydipsia, anaemia, etc. For human safety and control, removal of F⎺ is necessary. Therefore, it is important to gather knowledge on the fundamental problems related to F⎺ contamination, such as origin of F⎺ disclosure, negative impact on health, along with the viability of F⎺ removal techniques. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the F⎺ removal techniques in recent use along with their benefits and drawbacks.