Mobility of Fluoride and Fluorocarbons in the Soil

Fluoride is necessary for maintaining dental and skeletal health at low concentrations. However, exposure to excessive amounts can lead to fluorosis. On the other hand, the carbon-fluoride (C–F) bond is powerful and persistent, making most fluorocarbons stable, non-corrosive, and reactive. Due to these properties, fluorinated compounds (FCs) are used in various industrial production processes and are present in many products we use daily. Before 1966, the potential effects of FCs on the environment and human health were not well-studied. However, that year, fluoride was discovered in human sera, and most fluorocarbons and their daughter compounds were linked to a high threat to human health. The FCs in human sera were later traced back to the environmental aspects of air, water, and soil. This prompted researchers to focus on studying fluoride contamination behaviour in various matrices, including soil and groundwater. This chapter discusses the mobility behaviour of fluoride and fluorocarbons in the soil profile and the fundamental mechanisms that govern their transport and fate. A thorough comprehension of the mobility mechanisms of fluoride and fluorocarbons in the soil profile is crucial to evaluate their possible risks accurately. This involves providing insight into physical, chemical, and biological factors affecting fluoride and fluorocarbons movement and environmental interactions. With this knowledge, we can determine fluoride and fluorocarbon’s likelihood of migrating into groundwater and their probable impact on ecosystems and human health. An inclusive understanding of these mechanisms is essential for developing effective risk mitigation strategies for fluoride and fluorocarbons in the soil profile and groundwater.