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Thallium pollution in China: A geo-environmental perspective
Tangfu Xiao1, Fei Yang, Shehong Li
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China. xiaotangfu@vip.gyig.ac.cn
The Science of the Total Environment
|April 26, 2011
Summary
Thallium (Tl) pollution from sulfide minerals is an emerging environmental concern in China. This review examines Tl sources, pathways, and health risks, highlighting the need for geo-environmental monitoring and regulation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Thallium (Tl) is a non-essential, toxic metal with increasing recognition as an environmental pollutant.
- Geo-environmental Tl pollution, primarily from epithermal metallogenesis of sulfide minerals, poses risks to human health.
- Research on Tl pollution in China is growing, focusing on its sources, mobility, and health impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research progress in China on thallium (Tl) pollution.
- To address environmental concerns regarding Tl pollution from a geo-environmental perspective.
- To summarize Tl's source, mobility, transportation, and health exposure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Tl pollution research in China.
- Analysis of geo-environmental processes influencing Tl dispersion and accumulation.
- Examination of human health exposure pathways, including urinary Tl concentration.
Main Results:
- Thallium (Tl) from sulfide minerals disperses and accumulates in soil, water, and crops.
- Enrichment of Tl in the environment can lead to chronic Tl poisoning.
- Human urinary Tl concentration serves as a rapid indicator of Tl exposure.
Conclusions:
- Preventing Tl pollution requires baseline geo-environmental Tl investigation, land use planning, and regulatory measures.
- China's experience with Tl pollution offers valuable lessons for other regions with similar geo-environmental conditions.
- Effective management of Tl pollution is crucial due to its high mobility and toxicity.
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