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Estuaries in NSW

Estuarine Water Quality

Fluoride

Fluoride is another potentially toxic substance, but its effects on wildlife are not well documented. Although a relatively common constituent of minerals in sedimentary and igneous rocks, high levels of fluoride in natural surface waters are uncommon. Fluorides are used as insecticides, as a flux in the manufacture of steel, as a preservative, and in water treatment. Of some concern is the level of fluorides released from Aluminium Smelters (eg at Tomago on the New South Wales central coast). Fluoride is known to bio-accumulate in the bones of mammals and in mangrove vegetation. The long-term effects of accumulation are not clear. However, fluoride bonds with calcium, and could thus affect the egg shell formation of birds. The impact of fluoride on sensitive bio-indicator species such as some members of the amphibia, needs to be investigated.

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