Fluoride ion (or simply fluoride) is a hugely abundant element on Earth which is a naturally occurring compound derived from fluorine [1]. Fluoride is characterized by its small radius and its great tendency to behave as a ligand [2]. Fluoride constitutes a large number of different organic and inorganic compounds in soil, rocks, air, plants and animals. It is found in surface and groundwater as an almost completely dissociated fluoride ion [3]. This presence is usually related to geochemical reactions or anthropogenic activities for example; the disposal of industrial wastewater [4]. The natural amount of fluoride in groundwater depends on the geological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the aquifer, the availability and solubility of fluoride minerals, rate of flowing water, temperature, pH, and concentration of other chemicals like calcium and bicarbonate ions [5]. Many studies reveal that drinking water is the major source of fluoride daily intake [6]. Fluoride is an essential trace element for animals and humans and it makes water hazardous when present in excess. World Health Organization (WHO) has specified the tolerance limit of fluoride content of drinking water at 1.5 mg/L [7]. Excessive fluoride intake causes adverse health effects such as crippling skeletal fluorosis that is a significant cause of morbidity in a number of regions of the world. Fluoride is also toxic and its accumulation causes harm of brain/mind development of children [8]. Studies have shown that the exposure to high doses of fluoride leads to Kidney diseases [9].
Ultrasound has attracted interest in food engineering because of its promising effects on conservation. This can be applied to develop processes aimed at improving quality and safety. The objective of this work was to explore the effects of high intensity ultrasound (US) on the color profile, changes in surface myoglobin, as well as on shear force. It was performed on the Longissimus thoracis muscle of meat pork cut into 3x2x3 cm plates, which were subsequently US at 40 kHz for 5, 10 and 15 min. The results were analyzed in Minitab 16.0.1 using ANOVA (P < 0.05) and Tukey\