Hazardous Effects of Fluoride and Its Removal Techniques: A Review

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.