Fluoride: Toxicity, Mechanism and Role of Bioremediation in Detoxification.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in the environment. However, excessive exposure to fluoride can lead to fluoride toxicity, posing serious risk to human health, plant growth, aquatic animals, and microorganisms. Prolonged exposure to high levels of fluoride can cause dental and skeletal fluorosis, causing brittle bones, joint pain, and damaged enamel. In plants, fluoride accumulation causes stunted growth, chlorosis, and reduced photosynthesis, significantly affecting crop yields and ecosystem health. Bioremediation has emerged as a sustainable eco-friendly approach to mitigating fluoride toxicity. In addition, biofilm technology has shown promise as an innovative tool for pollutant remediation. This review explores the pathway, mechanism, and the effect of fluoride on humans, plants and microbes. It also examines the potential of bioremediation of fluoride degradation with a particular focus on recent advancements in microbial and phytoremediation and their effectiveness in reducing fluoride toxicity. By providing insights into these remediation strategies, this review aims to support informed decision regarding water quality management, agricultural practices, industrial regulations, and public health, particularly in fluoride-contaminated region.