Assessing regional variation of environmental fluoride concentrations in western Germany by analysis of antler fluoride content in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus)

To assess regional variation in ambient fluoride levels, we analyzed the fluoride content of 188 antlers of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) killed between 1990 and 1999 in 14 areas of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Individual antler fluoride concentrations ranged between 113 and 11,995 mg x F-/kg bone ash, and sample means differed significantly (p < 0.0001) among the study areas. Low average concentrations (geometric means of 262 and 277 mg x F-/kg bone ash, respectively) were found in antler samples from two control areas, located quite remote to major fluoride emission sources. The highest geometric mean fluoride content (1,677 mg x F-/kg bone ash) was recorded for an antler sample from a study area exposed to fluoride emissions from an aluminium smelter and two mineral coal-fired power stations. In eight antlers obtained from roe deer living in the direct vicinity of the aluminium smelter, fluoride values ranged between 2,067 and 11,995 mg x F-/kg bone ash, thereby demonstrating the strong impact of this emission source on its surroundings. The study showed that by analyzing antler fluoride concentrations, large-scale surveys of environmental contamination by fluoride can be performed in a standardized and cost-effective way in areas inhabited by deer. Due to its rather narrow home range, abundance, and high adaptability, the roe deer is particularly suited for such studies.