EN
Our objective was to evaluate the effects of distance from the source of emission on fluorine content in selected tissues. Studies were conducted in the Central Pomerania region in 2004-06. The studies included stables located in two zones: zone I near the mouth of the Wisła River 50 km west of the source of emission, and zone II near the mouth of the Łeba River 80 to 100 km west of the source of fluorine emission. Soil, feed, and horse tissue (muscles and bones) samples (eight from each type of material) were taken in each zone. The tissues were sampled from 48 horses of different breeds, 24 animals from each zone. Horse tissues were grouped according to age: group 1 – horses to 7 years old, group 2 – horses age over 7 to 15, and group 3 – horses age 15 and over. Fluorine measurements in the soil, feed, and tissues studied were taken by means of the ion-selective electrode working with an ORION ion-meter. Multiple comparison of mean values by Tukey’s test was used. Significantly higher fluorine levels were determined in the soils, feeds, and tissues of animals raised in zone I in the vicinity of sources of fluorine emission, compared with zone II. We found influence of horse age on the average muscle and bone levels of fluorine in the animals investigated. A significantly higher level of this element was recorded in the bones of the oldest horses.