Fluoride pollutants as causative agents for nitrotoxins generated in some legume plants.

Leaflets of six collected legume species including Alhagi camelorum Fisch., Cercis siliquastrum L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Medicago sativa L., Robinia peseudoacacia L., and Sophora alopecuroides L. from an aluminum reduction plant area in Iran were analyzed for presence of toxic aliphatic nitro compounds. In addition, studies were conducted to determine fluoride (Fl) levels in these plants. Controls were from 10 km distance of the factory. Results showed high Fl concentration in all polluted samples. Phytochemical changes in all polluted leaves, with the exception of C. siliquastrum and G. glabra, were observed with presence of nitrotoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]