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Yuan W, She J, Lin J, Lin K, Zhong Q, Xiong X, Cao H, Zeng X, Wang J, Liu J. Thallium isotopic fractionation in soils from a historic HgTl mining area: New insights on thallium geochemistry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173878. [PMID: 38866153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl), a highly toxic heavy metal, which may pose significant environmental threats due to extensive discharge from anthropogenic activities. It is crucial to understand geochemical behavior of Tl in soils for initiating proper measures for Tl pollution control. For this purpose, transport behavior of Tl and its dominant factors in soils collected from a typically Tl-enriched depth profile, surrounding a historical tailing dump near an independent HgTl mine area in China, were investigated by using Tl isotope compositions. Results showed that an overall enrichment of Tl (48.68-375.21 mg/kg) was accompanied with As elevation (135.00-619.00 mg/kg) in the whole depth profile, and Tl and As exhibited co-migration behavior with Fe, S, K, and Rb. Geochemical fractionation of Tl unveiled by sequential extraction further indicated that Mn-/Fe-bearing minerals and clay minerals act as main hosts of Tl in the studied soils. Thallium isotopic composition and its fractionation pattern further revealed that the major contributors to high Tl levels in the depth profile were tailing and lorandite minerals, with mean contribution rate of 51.99% and 42.47%, respectively. These findings facilitate the understanding of Tl transport behavior in highly contaminated environment, providing valuable insights for developing new technologies in mining waste treatment and historical mine reclamation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingye She
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingfen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Lin
- Earth Observatory of Singapore and Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Qiaohui Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Isotope Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xinni Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
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2
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Vaněk A, Đorđević T, Mihaljevič M, Vaňková M, Fizková K, Zádorová T, Vokurková P, Galušková I, Penížek V, Drábek O, Tasev G, Serafimovski T, Boev I, Boev B. Thallium in Technosols from Allchar (North Macedonia): Isotopic and speciation insights. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 357:124413. [PMID: 38908671 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Allchar (North Macedonia) mining area is known for anomalous background Tl concentrations. In this study, we combine accurate detection of Tl stable isotope ratios with data on mineralogy/speciation and chemical extraction of Tl in Tl-contaminated Technosol profiles. We demonstrate that Tl in the studied soils varies significantly in both concentration (500 mg/kg-18 g/kg) and isotopic composition (-1.6 and +3.2 of ε205Tl, a ∼0.5‰ spread), which is due to changes in the phase chemistry and/or mineralogy of Tl. Moreover, the observed 205Tl/203Tl ratios do not reflect the extent to which individual soils undergo Tl isotopic fractionation during mineral weathering and soil formation. Clearly, they reflect the initial isotopic signal(s) of the primary ore or ore minerals, and thus, the general history or type of their genesis. As the Tl carriers, various types of Tl-Me-arsenates, mixtures of jarosite and dorallcharite and minor Mn-oxides predominated. We revealed intense adsorption of Tl by the identified Mn-oxides (≤6.7 at.%). It is hypothesized that these phases are of key importance in the fractionation of Tl isotopes, meaning at this type of secondary oxide-soil solution interface. However, model studies involving primary/secondary components (sulfides, sulfates, oxides and arsenates) are required to understand the mechanisms that may lead to post-depositional Tl isotopic redistribution in soils, as well as Tl isotope systematics in mining wastes in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Vaněk
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Tamara Đorđević
- 1E057-02 USTEM, Vienna University of Technology, Stadionallee 2, 1020 Vienna, Austria; Department of Mineralogy and Crystallography, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, A-1090 Wien, Austria
| | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Vaňková
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Karolína Fizková
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Zádorová
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Vokurková
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Galušková
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Penížek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Drábek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Goran Tasev
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University "Goce Delčev"- Štip, Goce Delčev 89, 2000 Štip, Macedonia
| | - Todor Serafimovski
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University "Goce Delčev"- Štip, Goce Delčev 89, 2000 Štip, Macedonia
| | - Ivan Boev
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University "Goce Delčev"- Štip, Goce Delčev 89, 2000 Štip, Macedonia
| | - Blažo Boev
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University "Goce Delčev"- Štip, Goce Delčev 89, 2000 Štip, Macedonia
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3
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Zeng X, Wang J, Yuan W, Zhou Y, Beiyuan J, Deng P, Cao H, Chen Y, Wei X, Li L, Liu J. Mitigation of thallium threat in paddy soil and rice plant by application of functional biochar. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 367:121861. [PMID: 39096733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic metal, and its contamination in soils entails high risks to human health via food chain. It remains largely unknown of the effects of applying biochar on Tl uptake in paddy systems despite that few studies have shown that biochar exhibits great potential for decreasing Tl bioavailability in soils. Herein, we examined the mitigating effects of the application of biochar (5 and 20 g/kg pristine biochar; 5 and 20 g/kg Fe/Mn-modified biochar) on Tl uptake in paddy soil and rice plant after an entire rice growth period. The results suggested that the application of Fe/Mn-modified biochar (FMBC) considerably mitigated the accumulation of Tl in different tissues of rice plants. Specifically, total Tl content in rice plants treated with FMBC-20 decreased by over 75% compared with control experiment. In addition, the amendment of FMBC in Tl-rich paddy soils can enhance the communities of microorganisms (Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria). Further analysis of the soil microbial symbiosis network revealed that FMBC promotes the living microorganisms to play modular synergistic interactions, which is crucial for FMBC-induced Tl stabilization in soils. All these findings indicated that FMBC is an efficient and environmentally friendly Tl-immobilization alternative material and can be potentially used in the remediation of Tl-contaminated paddy soils and/or cropland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingzi Beiyuan
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Pengyuan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangzhong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
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4
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Wang C, Jiang T, Huang J, Chen M, Hu H, Peng L, Wu L, Chaocheng Z, Zhang Q. Efficient incorporation of highly migratory thallium into struvite structure: Unraveling the stabilization mechanisms from a mineralogical perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 935:173329. [PMID: 38772482 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The remediation of high-concentration thallium (Tl+) contaminated wastewater is a critical environmental concern. Current research emphasizes the effectiveness of adsorption and oxidation methods for Tl+ treatment, yet challenges persist in enhancing their performance. This study explores the feasibility of emergency Tl+ wastewater treatment and elucidates the mechanisms of Tl+ incorporation into mineral structures, with a focus on the struvite mineral as a framework for Tl+ integration via NH4+ ion exchange. To assess the efficacy and mechanisms of Tl+ immobilization, we utilized comprehensive analytical techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. The findings reveal that struvite adsorbs Tl+ onto its surface, followed by an ion exchange process between monovalent cations (NH4+/K+) within the structure and Tl+. Ultimately, Tl+ is incorporated in the form of a (NH4,Tl)MgPO4 solid solution within the structure, achieving a remarkable maximum incorporation capacity of 320.56 mg/g, which significantly surpasses the capacity of typical adsorbents. The findings demonstrate significant Tl+ incorporation, validating the approach for emergency wastewater treatment and suggesting the potential of mineralogy in environmental remediation. This research contributes to advancing heavy metal wastewater treatment strategies, offering a foundation for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junwei Huang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Min Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Huimin Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Lei Peng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Lei Wu
- The First Construction and Installation Company of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Ltd, China
| | - Zeng Chaocheng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qiwu Zhang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
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5
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Huangfu X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ma C. The determination of thallium in the environment: A review of conventional and advanced techniques and applications. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142201. [PMID: 38692367 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl) is a potential toxicity element that poses significant ecological and environmental risks. Recently, a substantial amount of Tl has been released into the environment through natural and human activities, which attracts increasing attention. The determination of this hazardous and trace element is crucial for controlling its pollution. This article summarizes the advancement and progress in optimizing Tl detection techniques, including atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), voltammetry, inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-based methods, spectrophotometry, and X-ray-based methods. Additionally, it introduces sampling and pretreatment methods such as diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), liquid-liquid extraction, solid phase extraction, and cloud point extraction. Among these techniques, ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) is the preferred choice for Tl detection due to its high precision in determining Tl as well as its species and isotopic composition. Meanwhile, some new materials and agents are employed in detection. The application of novel work electrode materials and chromogenic agents is discussed. Emphasis is placed on reducing solvent consumption and utilizing pretreatment techniques such as ultrasound-assisted processes and functionalized magnetic particles. Most detection is performed in aqueous matrices, while X-ray-based methods applied to solid phases are summarized which provide non-destructive analysis. This work improves the understanding of Tl determination technology while serving as a valuable resource for researchers seeking appropriate analytical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliu Huangfu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yunzhu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Chengxue Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
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6
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Liu J, Wang L, Lin J, Yuan W, Li L, Peng YK, Xiong X, Cao H, Wei X, Ouyang Q, Lippold H, Wang J, Lin K. Applying thallium isotopic compositions as novel and sensitive proxy for Tl(I)/Tl(III) transformation and source apportionment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169542. [PMID: 38141990 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Thallium is a rare metal known for its highly toxic nature. Recent research has indicated that the precise determination of Tl isotopic compositions using Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP MS) provides new opportunities for understanding Tl geochemical behavior. While isotopic fractionation of Tl derived from anthropogenic activities (e.g., mining, smelting) have been reported, there is limited information regarding Tl influenced by both natural weathering processes and anthropogenic origins. Herein, we investigated, for the first time, the Tl isotopic compositions in soils across a representative Tl-rich depth profile from the Lanmuchang (LMC) quicksilver mine (southwest China) in the low-temperature metallogenesis zone. The results showed significant variations in Tl isotope signatures (ε205Tl) among different soil layers, ranging from -0.23 to 3.79, with heavier isotope-205Tl enrichment observed in the bottom layers of the profile (ε205Tl = 2.18-3.79). This enrichment of 205Tl was not solely correlated with the degree of soil weathering but was also partially associated with oxidation of Tl(I) by Fe (hydr)oxide minerals. Quantitative calculation using ε205Tl vs. 1/Tl data further indicated that the Tl enrichment across the soil depth profile was predominantly derived from anthropogenic origins. All these findings highlight that the robustness and reliability of Tl isotopes as a proxy for identifying both anthropogenic and geogenic sources, as well as tracing chemical alterations and redox-controlled mineralogical processes of Tl in soils. The nascent application of Tl isotopes herein not only offers valuable insights into the behavior of Tl in surface environments, but also establishes a framework for source apportionment in soils under similar circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingfen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangzhong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and Development, Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yung-Kang Peng
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinni Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi'en Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Holger Lippold
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V. (HZDR) Institut für Ressourcenökologie Forschungsstelle, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ke Lin
- Earth Observatory of Singapore and Asian School of the Environment, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
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Corzo-Remigio A, Harris HH, Kidman CJ, Nkrumah PN, Casey LW, Paterson DJ, Edraki M, van der Ent A. Mechanisms of Uptake and Translocation of Thallium in Brassica Vegetables: An X-ray Fluorescence Microspectroscopic Investigation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2373-2383. [PMID: 38271998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Most nonoccupational human exposure to thallium (Tl) occurs via consumption of contaminated food crops. Brassica cultivars are common crops that can accumulate more than 500 μg Tl g-1. Knowledge of Tl uptake and translocation mechanisms in Brassica cultivars is fundamental to developing methods to inhibit Tl uptake or conversely for potential use in phytoremediation of polluted soils. Brassica cultivars (25 in total) were subjected to Tl dosing to screen for Tl accumulation. Seven high Tl-accumulating varieties were selected for follow-up Tl dosing experiments. The highest Tl accumulating Brassica cultivars were analyzed by synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence to investigate the Tl distribution and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) to unravel Tl chemical speciation. The cultivars exhibited different Tl tolerance and accumulation patterns with some reaching up to 8300 μg Tl g-1. The translocation factors for all the cultivars were >1 with Brassica oleracea var. acephala (kale) having the highest translocation factor of 167. In this cultivar, Tl is preferentially localized in the venules toward the apex and along the foliar margins and in minute hot spots in the leaf blade. This study revealed through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis that highly Tl-enriched crystals occur in the stoma openings of the leaves. The finding is further validated by XANES spectra that show that Tl(I) dominates in the aqueous as well as in the solid form. The high accumulation of Tl in these Brassica crops has important implications for food safety and results of this study help to understand the mechanisms of Tl uptake and translocation in these crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Corzo-Remigio
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Hugh H Harris
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Clinton J Kidman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Philip Nti Nkrumah
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Lachlan W Casey
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | | | - Mansour Edraki
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Antony van der Ent
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen 6708, The Netherlands
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8
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Liu J, Yuan W, Ouyang Q, Bao Z, Xiao J, Xiong X, Cao H, Zhong Q, Wan Y, Wei X, Zhang Y, Xiao T, Wang J. A novel application of thallium isotopes in tracing metal(loid)s migration and related sources in contaminated paddy soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 882:163404. [PMID: 37059145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic heavy metal, which is harmful to plants and animals even in trace amounts. Migration behaviors of Tl in paddy soils system remain largely unknown. Herein, Tl isotopic compositions have been employed for the first time to explore Tl transfer and pathway in paddy soil system. The results showed considerably large Tl isotopic variations (ε205Tl = -0.99 ± 0.45 ~ 24.57 ± 0.27), which may result from interconversion between Tl(I) and Tl(III) under alternative redox conditions in the paddy system. Overall higher ε205Tl values of paddy soils in the deeper layers were probably attributed to abundant presence of Fe/Mn (hydr)oxides and occasionally extreme redox conditions during alternative dry-wet process which oxidized Tl(I) to Tl(III). A ternary mixing model using Tl isotopic compositions further disclosed that industrial waste contributed predominantly to Tl contamination in the studied soil, with an average contribution rate of 73.23%. All these findings indicate that Tl isotopes can be used as an efficient tracer for fingerprinting Tl pathway in complicated scenarios even under varied redox conditions, providing significant prospect in diverse environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenhuan Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qi'en Ouyang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi'an Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- SKLLQG, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IEECAS), Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xinni Xiong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiaohui Zhong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuebing Wan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xudong Wei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, Agripolis Campus, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Yongqi Zhang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tangfu Xiao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Waters Quality & Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Markich SJ, Hall JP, Dorsman JM, Brown PL. Thallium toxicity to temperate and tropical marine organisms: Derivation of water quality guidelines to protect marine life. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:114964. [PMID: 37201346 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A lack of thallium (Tl) toxicity data for marine organisms has hampered the development of water quality guidelines for protecting marine life and assessing ecological hazard/risk. This study assessed the toxicity (EC10/EC50) of Tl in natural seawater (salinity 34 psu and pH 8.05) to 26 functionally diverse marine organisms (19 phyla from five trophic levels) from a variety of temperate and tropical coastal marine habitats. EC10 values ranged from 3.0 μg/L (copepod, Acartia tranteri) to 489 μg/L (cyanobacterium, Cyanobium sp.), while EC50 values ranged from 9.7 μg/L to 1550 μg/L. Thallium(I) was the dominant (86-99 %) oxidation state in test waters across the range of EC10 and EC50 values. Thallium toxicity (EC10/EC50) did not differ between temperate and tropical marine organisms. New, reliable, long-term Tl water quality guidelines were derived using species sensitivity distributions (with model-averaging) to protect marine life in Australia (e.g., 3.9 μg/L for 95 % species protection).
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Markich
- Aquatic Solutions International, Long Reef, NSW 2097, Australia; School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Jeremy P Hall
- Aquatic Solutions International, Airlie Beach, QLD 4802, Australia
| | - Jude M Dorsman
- Aquatic Solutions International, Long Reef, NSW 2097, Australia
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Liu J, Cao J, Yuan W, Zhong Q, Xiong X, Ouyang Q, Wei X, Liu Y, Wang J, Li X. Thallium adsorption on three iron (hydr)oxides and Tl isotopic fractionation induced by adsorption on ferrihydrite. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:161863. [PMID: 36716888 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl) is an extraordinarily toxic metal, which is usually present with Tl(I) and highly mobile in aquatic environment. Limited knowledge is available on the adsorption and isotopic variations of Tl(I) to Fe-(hydr)oxides. Herein, the adsorption behavior and mechanism of Tl(I) on representative Fe-(hydr)oxides, i.e. goethite, hematite, and ferrihydrite, were comparatively investigated kineticly and isothermally, additional to crystal structure modelling and Tl isotope composition (205Tl/203Tl). The results showed that ferrihydrite exhibited overall higher Tl(I) adsorption capacity (1.11-10.86 mg/kg) than goethite (0.21-1.83 mg/kg) and hematite (0.14-2.35 mg/kg), and adsorption by the three prevalent Fe-minerals presented strong pH and ionic strength dependence. The magnitude of Tl isotopic fractionation during Tl(I) adsorption to ferrihydrite (αsolid-solution ≈ 1.00022-1.00037) was smaller than previously observed fractionation between Mn oxides and aqueous Tl(I) (αsolid-solution ≈ 1.0002-1.0015). The notable difference is likely that whether oxidation of Tl(I) occurred during Tl adsorption to the mineral surfaces. This study found a small but detectable Tl isotopic fractionation during Tl(I) adsorption to ferrihydrite and heavier Tl isotope was slightly preferentially adsorbed on surface of ferrihydrite, which was attributed to the formation of inner-sphere complex between Tl and ≡Fe-OH. The findings offer a new understanding of the migration and fate of 205Tl/203Tl during Tl(I) adsorption to Fe (hydr)oxides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jielong Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenhuan Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiaohui Zhong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xinni Xiong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qi'en Ouyang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xudong Wei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanyi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou University, 510006 Guangzhou, China; College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Xiaofei Li
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Foshan University, 528000 Foshan, China.
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Ouyang Q, Liu J, Yuan W, Wei X, Liu Y, Bao Z, Huang Y, Wang J. Stable thallium (Tl) isotopic signature as a reliable source tracer in river sediments impacted by mining activities. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 448:130859. [PMID: 36736213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.130859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Thallium (Tl) is an extremely toxic metal, whose geochemical behavior remains poorly understood. This study aims to clarify the migration pathway and source apportionment of Tl in sediments from a watershed downstream of an open and large-scale pyrite mine area in south China, using high-precised Tl isotopic compositions. Results showed that Tl isotopic fractionations were mainly influenced by the anthropogenic Tl sources in all the sediments as a whole from the studied watershed, while in situ mineral adsorption and biological activity were limited. Moreover, plot of ε205Tl vs. 1/Tl further illustrated that three possible end-members, viz. background sediments, pyrite tailings, and sewage treatment wastes were ascribed to predominant sources of Tl enrichment in the sediments. A ternary mixing model unveiled that waste from pyrite mining activities (i.e., both pyrite tailings and sewage treatment wastes) affected the downstream sediments up to 10 km. All these findings suggest that Tl isotopic signature is a reliable tool to trace Tl sources in the sediments impacted by mining activities. It is highly critical for further target-oriented and precise remediation of Tl contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi'en Ouyang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Juan Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Wenhuan Yuan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xudong Wei
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China; Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE) University of Padova, Agripolis Campus, Viale dell'Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Yanyi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhi'an Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, Department of Geology, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Yeliang Huang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, and Key Laboratory of Water Quality and Conservation in the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Abstract
Living systems are built from a small subset of the atomic elements, including the bulk macronutrients (C,H,N,O,P,S) and ions (Mg,K,Na,Ca) together with a small but variable set of trace elements (micronutrients). Here, we provide a global survey of how chemical elements contribute to life. We define five classes of elements: those that are (i) essential for all life, (ii) essential for many organisms in all three domains of life, (iii) essential or beneficial for many organisms in at least one domain, (iv) beneficial to at least some species, and (v) of no known beneficial use. The ability of cells to sustain life when individual elements are absent or limiting relies on complex physiological and evolutionary mechanisms (elemental economy). This survey of elemental use across the tree of life is encapsulated in a web-based, interactive periodic table that summarizes the roles chemical elements in biology and highlights corresponding mechanisms of elemental economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaleigh A Remick
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States
| | - John D Helmann
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, New York, NY, United States.
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