Interim report of fluoride pollution in Glacier National Park

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1970 · Res. Note FPL - For. Prod. Lab. (U.S.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6218267

Carlson, C E

Data and inferences pertinent to Glacier National Park drawn from vegetation collected in July 1970 and analyzed for injury and total fluoride content are presented. Samples collected along radii extending from the Anaconda Aluminum Company reduction plant at Columbia Falls, Montana, into Glacier National Park showed conclusively that injury caused by fluoride pollution to plants is occurring in the Park, and that the Anaconda Aluminum Company is the responsible agent. The author explain's the concept of injury index and establishes the control level as 0.006. Normal levels for total fluoride in plant tissue were found to be 10 parts per million or less. In Glacier injury indices were found greater than 0.100 and fluoride levels higher than 70 p.p.m. Radial profiles readily indicate the point source of pollution as well as the direction of travel of the pollutant. The most serious injury occurs on the southwest face of the Apgar Mountains and the southwest face of the Belton winter range. Fluorides in all vegetational types sampled represent a serious threat to wildlife in the affected area.

• Research Organization: Dept. of Agriculture, Missoula, MT
• OSTI ID: 6218267
• Journal Information: Res. Note FPL - For. Prod. Lab. (U.S.); (United States), Journal Name: Res. Note FPL - For. Prod. Lab. (U.S.); (United States); ISSN XALNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FLUORINE
HALOGENS
INJURIES
MASS TRANSFER
MONTANA
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
POLLUTION
USA