The effect of simulated rainfall on grass fluoride concentrations

Abstract

The effect of simulated rainfall on the fluoride concentration of established pasture grass that had been subjected to ambient gaseous and particulate air fluorides was investigated. Little or no reduction in levels was exhibited, but there was considerable variation within the sward. Further experiments using laboratory-grown grass (Lolium perenne) dusted with artificial cryolite gave little real evidence of reductions in fluoride levels on subjection to simulated rainfall. It was concluded that the variation within the sward was too great to show the effect, if any, of rainfall at the initial fluoride levels, and rates and duration of rainfall used.