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Fluoride Content in Bones of Adelie Penguins and Environmental Media in Antarctica

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Abstract

Fluoride (F) distribution and its effects (fluorosis) were investigated in Antarctica. Droppings (L) excreta selected of aquatic birds, lake water, soil and moss (Polytrichum alpinum) showed a high F concentration. Although bones of Adelie penguin (Pygiscelis adeliae) and skua (Catharacta maccormicki) showed exceptionally very high F concentration in the range of 832 to 7187 mg kg−1, their radiographs did not show any evidence of skeletal fluorosis. The possible reason and geochemical aspects of F in Antarctica region are discussed.

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Xie, Z., Sun, L. Fluoride Content in Bones of Adelie Penguins and Environmental Media in Antarctica. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 25, 483–490 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EGAH.0000004578.77543.d5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:EGAH.0000004578.77543.d5

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