Monitoring fluoride pollution in Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1972 · Res. Note FPL - For. Prod. Lab. (U.S.); (United States)

OSTI ID:6304245

Carlson, C E

During August 1971, a study was conducted to monitor fluoride pollution in Flathead National Forest and Glacier National Park, near Columbia Falls, Montana. The study was done as a followup to a 1970 fluoride study (Carlson and Dewey 1971) of pollution caused by fluoride emissions from the Anaconda Aluminum Company at Columbia Falls. During the 1970 study fluoride emissions by the company were reduced from 7500 to 2500 pounds per day. Fifteen plots, 20 percent of the 77 permanent radial plots established in 1970, were resampled in 1971. Chemical analysis of vegetation indicated average plot fluoride concentration was from 4 percent less in Glacier National Park to 77 percent less close to the aluminum plant when compared to 1970 data. Injury indexes dropped an average of 45.8 percent. Analysis of conifer, shrub, and forb stem tissues indicated fluorides are accumulated by stem tissue. However, the exact location of accumulation was not determined. Isopols, illustrated in the 1970 study, were recomputed based on the 1971 monitoring data. The total area polluted was 59 square miles (34,560 acres) less than in 1970, and injury was found on 84 square miles (53,920 acres) less than in 1970. Analysis of insect tissue in 1971 indicated insects are still accumulating excessive fluorides. Even though the Anaconda Company reduced fluoride emissions at the aluminum plant in 1970, above-normal fluorides are still accumulating in vegetation up to 12 miles distant in Glacier National Park. This represents an area of 179,200 acres. Fluoride injury to vegetation was found on 15,200 acres, indicating the fluoride pollution problem at Columbia Falls has not been alleviated.

• Research Organization: Forest Service, Missoula, MT
• OSTI ID: 6304245
• 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

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63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION
ALUMINIUM
ANIMALS
ARTHROPODS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BUILDUP
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
INJURIES
INSECTS
INVERTEBRATES
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
MONITORING
MONTANA
NORTH AMERICA
PLANTS
POLLUTION
PRODUCTION
UPTAKE
USA