Acute toxicity of trivalent thallium compounds to Daphnia magna

Cryptic footprint of thallium in soil-plant systems; A review

The current review highlights the complex behavior of thallium (Tl) in soil and plant systems, offering insight into its hazardous characteristics and far-reaching implications. The research investigates the many sources of Tl, from its natural existence in the earth crust to its increased release through anthropogenic activities such as industrial operations and mining. Soil emerges as a significant reservoir of Tl, with diverse physicochemical variables influencing bioavailability and entrance into the food chain, notably in Brassicaceae family members. Additionally, the study highlights a critical knowledge gap concerning Tl influence on legumes (e.g., soybean), underlining the pressing demand for additional studies in this crucial sector. Despite the importance of leguminous crops in the world food supply and soil fertility, the possible impacts of Tl on these crops have received little attention. As we traverse the ecological complexity of Tl, this review advocates the collaborative research efforts to eliminate crucial gaps and provide solutions for reducing Tl detrimental impacts on soil and plant systems. This effort intends to pave the path for sustainable agricultural practices by emphasizing the creation of Tl-tolerant legume varieties and revealing the complicated dynamics of Tl-plant interactions, assuring the long-term durability of our food systems against the danger of Tl toxicity.

Thallium - poisoner's poison: An overview and review of current knowledge on the toxicological effects and mechanisms

Thallium (Tl) is one of the most toxic metals and its historic use in homicides has led it to be known as "the poisoner's poison." This review summarizes the methods for identifying Tl and determining its concentrations in biological samples in recently reported poisoning cases, as well as the toxicokinetics, toxicological effects, toxicity mechanisms, and detoxication methods of Tl. Recent findings regarding Tl neurotoxicological pathways and toxicological effects of Tl during pregnancy are also presented. Confirmation of elevated Tl concentrations in blood, urine, or hair is indispensable for diagnosing Tl poisoning. The kidneys show the highest Tl concentration within 24 h after ingestion, while the brain shows the highest concentration thereafter. Tl has a very slow excretion rate due to its large distribution volume. Following acute exposure, gastrointestinal symptoms are observed at an early stage, and neurological dysfunction is observed later: Tl causes the most severe damage in the central nervous system. Alopecia and Mees' lines in the nails are observed within 1 month after Tl poisoning. The toxicological mechanism of Tl is considered to be interference of vital potassium-dependent processes with Tl+ because its ionic radius is similar to that of K+, as well as inhibition of enzyme reactions by the binding of Tl to -SH groups, which disturbs vital metabolic processes. Tl toxicity is also related to reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial dysfunction. Prussian blue is the most effective antidote, and metallothionein alone or in combination with Prussian blue was recently reported to have cytoprotective effects after Tl exposure. Because Tl poisoning cases are still reported, early determination of Tl in biological samples and treatment with an antidote are essential.

On site separation of inorganic forms of thallium and arsenic in sea water systems followed by ICP-MS determination

Reduction of Tl(III) and oxidation of As(III), which are unstable speciation forms, start just after sampling as a result of disturbed chemical equilibrium. Separation of inorganic Tl and As species, unchanged, is thus crucial for reliable results of speciation analysis in water systems. Presented here a simple and fast sample pretreatment, based on ion exchange cartridges, which gives the possibility to separate Tl and As species already on the sampling site. Note the reduction of Tl(III) (15%) is in the range of losses typical for standard procedures based on Tl(III) fixation. The use of SCX-3 allows for Tl(III) and SAX for As(III) separation, which are then quantitated in the effluent by ICP-MS. Determination of non-retained species was done after reduction of the sample volume to 2 mL (50-fold preconcentration), which allowed for detection of As concentrations <0.1 ppb and Tl <0.01 ppb. For As, a collision chamber is required. The possibility of direct determination is very important for the forms being in trace amounts in sea water in the vicinity of harbors.

Integrated physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analysis of thallium toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae

Although several studies have evaluated the effects of Thallium (Tl) in adult species of fish, the developmental toxicity of Tl has not been previously explored. In this study, zebrafish embryos (<4 h post fertilization (hpf)) were exposed to Tl at concentrations from 0.8 to 400 μg L^-1 for 7 d. The results showed that the decreased hatching rate and increased malformation rate were observed in the larvae. The swimming velocity of larvae from 200 and 400 μg L^-1 treatments was respectively reduced by ~26 % and 15 %. Histopathological analysis of liver indicated the number of cells of karyolysis (143 % and 202 %) and pyknosis (170 % and 131 %) were respectively increased in 200 and 400 μg L^-1 Tl treatments. Meanwhile, the Tl body burden and metallothionein (MT) levels in the larvae were increased with elevated Tl concentrations. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased by ~20 to 51 % in all Tl treatments and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was decreased by ~12 % at 200 μg L^-1. The activities of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and protease were inhibited in 200 and 400 μg L^-1 Tl treatments. Moreover, the transcripts of genes (Nrf2, HO-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, TGF) were significantly altered. In addition, a total of 930 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1549 DEGs were found in the 200 and 400 μg L^-1 treatments with 458 overlapped DEGs by transcriptomic analysis. The protein digestion and absorption, ECM-receptor interaction, and complement and coagulation cascades pathways were shown to be the most significantly enriched pathways. This study helps better understand the molecular mechanisms of Tl toxicity in fish.

Revealing the toxicity of monovalent and trivalent thallium to medaka fish in controlled exposure conditions

Thallium (Tl) is a rare earth element increasingly being used in high-technology manufacturing. It is also an emerging pollutant with high exposure and toxicity risks to aquatic ecosystems. Tl exists in the environment in a monovalent [thallous, Tl(I)] or trivalent [thallic, Tl(III)] state. Currently, the stability of the two Tl species in natural water is uncertain and the toxicity in algae and daphnia are inconsistent due to lack of robust characterization of Tl species and matrix effects, while studies with fish are sparse. In this study, larvae of medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) were dosed with environmentally relevant concentrations of Tl(I) or Tl(III) spiked into synthetic and natural river water for 7 days to observe the toxic effects of two Tl species on fish. The transformation of Tl(I) and Tl(III) in water was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma and mass spectrometry. Analytical and toxicity results showed that Tl(I) is more stable presenting higher mortality and bioconcentration in medaka than Tl(III) in different water matrices. Tl(I)-induced LC₅₀ and body burden in treated fish were highly correlated with its competitive ion, potassium (K), especially in waters containing medium K levels. This study provides reliable evidence regarding the stability and toxicity of Tl(I) and Tl(III) as well as the interaction of aqueous K versus Tl(I) in fish. Such information is useful for justifying water-quality guidelines and ecological risks of Tl pollution in natural water ecosystems.

Photoactive Materials for Decomposition of Organic Matter Prior to Water Analysis—A Review Containing Original Research

Water plays a fundamental role in meeting the basic needs of society. Surface waters contain numerous organic pollutants, such as pesticides, drugs, and surfactants. The use of photolysis processes in organic matter degradation not only has practical applications in wastewater treatment but is also of major importance in the pretreatment of samples prior to the trace analysis of numerous analytes. The heterogeneous degradation is simple to implement prior to ultra-traces determination and is the only one allowed before the speciation analysis. Speciation analysis is currently the most important environmental challenge. The analysis of water, including tests associated with wastewater pretreatment and the monitoring of aqueous ecosystems, is the largest segment of environmental analysis. In the trace analysis of water, organic compounds are the principal interfering compounds reducing the quality of the obtained results or even preventing the determination of the examined analytes altogether. Some analytical techniques do not perform well in the presence, for example, of surfactants, so mineralization is sometimes required. Advanced oxidation processes are used to remove interfering organic compounds. The oxidation can be performed using homogenous photolysis (UV mineralization with hydrogen peroxide addition), while heterogenous photolysis using semiconductors helps to increase the removal efficiency of interferents dissolved in water. Utilizing semiconductor nanostructured materials as photocatalysts has been shown to be effective for the adequate removal of a wide spectrum of pollutants in water. Several semiconductor systems are used in the degradation of organic compounds, e.g., TiO2, Fe3O4, WO3, Fe2O3, ZnO, and mixtures of these oxides enriched with various precious metals, such as silver or gold. It is very challenging to manage the selectivity and reduction power so that organic compounds can be degraded but without disturbing the speciation of As, Cr, or Tl. Chemical modification of samples and the selection of semiconductor layers, light wavelength, and pH allow for the targeted degradation of specific compounds but may also indirectly affect the analysis of water samples. This review is a presentation of the state of the art of photocatalysis as a simple and effective technique for sample pretreatment in ultra-trace and speciation analysis and its critical as well as unpublished data related to this topic.

Monitoring of ion release, bioavailability and ecotoxicity of thallium in contaminated paddy soils under rice cultivation conditions

Paddy soils contaminated by thallium (Tl) have been frequently reported; however, their ecotoxicological impact in the paddy field is less known. We used a novel soil-fish exposure system with larvae of rice fish medaka (Oryzias latipes) to assess the bioavailability of Tl from soils to fish and causal toxicity under simulated conditions of rice cultivation. Two acidic soils [Pingzhen (Pc) and Sankengtzu (Sk)] spiked with monovalent Tl [Tl(I), 75-250 mg/kg] released higher Tl⁺ into pore or overlying waters than neutral soils [Sangkang (Su)], which resulted in higher mortality to exposed fish. The addition of K fertilizers into the system did not significantly reduce Tl release and fish mortality, but a drainage/re-flooding treatment worked effectively. The acidic Pc soil contaminated with low Tl(I) (2.5 and 15 mg/kg) caused higher sublethal toxicity in medaka than the neutral Su soil, including altered growth and swimming behavior with increased Tl body burden. These Tl-induced effects by low-Tl soils were significantly alleviated by K addition. The Tl/K ratios in aqueous phases were correlated with the mortality or Tl body burden in exposed fish. This study provides useful bio-analytical evidence that can help assess the ecological risks of Tl pollution in paddy field-related ecosystems.

Toxic Effects of Thallium on Biological Indicators of Haplic Chernozem Health: A Case Study

Thallium (Tl) was introduced into Haplic Chernozem in the amounts of 3, 30, and 300 mg/kg, and biological indicators were observed at 10, 30, and 90 days after incubation in the laboratory experiment. An increase in biological activities; i.e., the total number of bacteria, Azotobacter spp. abundance, enzymes (catalase, dehydrogenases), and phytotoxic indicators (germination rate of radish) after 30 days of Tl exposure were noted. The total number of bacteria and Azotobacter spp. abundance, enzyme activity, and phytotoxicity were more sensitive (16–76%) and informative (12–65%) indicators compared to the control, respectively. Integral biological indicators of soil state (IIBS) noted at 10, 30, and 90 days decreased at a dose of 30 and 300 mg/kg by 13–43% in relation to the control. An increase in Tl concentration and duration of exposure (up to 90 days) inhibited biological properties and caused ecotoxicological effects, respectively. We concluded that the use of individual indicators served as an indicator of the state of the soil.

Retention of thallium by natural minerals: A review

Though thallium (Tl) is usually present in trace amounts in natural environments, its biotoxicity is extremely high. With the development of mining, the metallurgy industry, and the growing application of Tl in high-tech fields, the threat of Tl to ecological environments and human health is increasing. Natural minerals, such as clay minerals, iron oxides, and manganese oxides, are natural Tl adsorbents due to their mineralogy and crystal structures. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of Tl adsorption by various natural minerals, compare the adsorption capacities of common soil minerals for Tl, and describe the limitations of traditional sequential extraction methods for identifying the chemical states of Tl on minerals and source of Tl. We also provide suggestions on future directions needed in Tl research including a) additional in-depth studies on the competitive adsorption of Tl by minerals; b) more direct comparison of Tl adsorption behavior from lab-based experiments with field observations to clarify the mechanisms of Tl adsorption by minerals under environmental conditions; c) more research data are needed to support the establishment and improvement of relevant research methods based on modern leading-edge technologies such as synchrotron radiation. Further, we suggest further research is needed in adsorption technologies used for Tl treatment. This is the first review on the research progress of Tl adsorption by natural minerals with the purpose of helping understanding the mechanisms of Tl migration and transformation controlled by natural minerals, and providing theoretical supports for the development of Tl adsorbents and the treatments of Tl pollution.

Thallium in aquatic environments and the factors controlling Tl behavior

Although thallium (Tl) usually exists in a very low level in the natural environment, it is highly toxic. With the development of mining and metallurgical industry and the wide application of Tl in the field of high technologies, Tl poses an increasing threat to the ecological environment and human health. This paper summarizes the research results of the toxicity of Tl as well as the distribution, occurrence forms, migration, and transformation mechanism of Tl in rivers, lakes, mining areas, estuaries, coastal waters, and oceans. It also discusses the influence mechanisms of pH, redox potential, suspended particulate matters, photochemical reaction, natural minerals, cation/anion, organic matters, and microorganisms on the environmental behavior of Tl. This paper points out the shortcomings of Tl research methods in water environment, and looks forward to the future development directions: First, the technology for separating Tl(III) and Tl(I) is still immature, especially it is difficult to effectively separate Tl(III) and Tl(I) in seawater. Second, the development of many advanced in situ detection technologies will bring great convenience to the studies of the dynamic mechanisms of Tl migration and transformation in the environments. Third, adsorption is the most effective mechanism to remove Tl from water, in which modified metal oxides or macrocyclic organic compounds have high application potential.

Chronic toxicity of waterborne thallium to Daphnia magna

There is limited information regarding the toxicity of the trace element thallium (Tl) to aquatic biota, most of which assesses acute toxicity and bioaccumulation. The relative lack of chronic Tl toxicity data compromises the establishment of water quality criteria for this trace metal. In the presented work, chronic toxicity endpoints (final body weight (a proxy measure of growth), survival, and reproduction) and Tl body burden were measured in the freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna during a 21-day exposure to dissolved Tl. Thallium caused complete mortality in daphnids between exposure concentrations of 424 and 702 μg L^-1. In contrast with previously published work examining acute Tl toxicity, exposure to Tl for 21 days was not associated with changes in whole-body potassium concentration. This was despite a 710-fold increase in Tl body burden in animals exposed to 424 μg L^-1 relative to the control. Median effect concentrations (EC₅₀'s) for growth and reproduction (total neonates produced), were 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.0-3.1) and 11.1 (95% confidence interval: 5.5-21.8) μg Tl L^-1, respectively. A no observable effect concentration (NOEC) of 0.9 μg Tl L^-1 for growth, and a NOEC range of 0.9-83 μg Tl L^-1 for a variety of reproductive metrics, was measured. A lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) of 8.8 μg Tl L^-1 was determined for the effects of Tl on growth and most of the reproductive endpoints examined. These data indicate that under controlled laboratory conditions D. magna is significantly less sensitive to Tl than the species on which the current Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment regulatory guideline value of 0.8 μg L^-1 is based.

Different responses in metallothionein gene expression and antioxidative enzyme activity lead to more ROS accumulation in rice exposed to Tl(III) than to Tl(I)

This is the first study to investigate the reduction mechanism of Tl (III) to Tl(I) in the presence of plants, especially rice. Smaller plant density could effectively reduce the content of organic acids in the hydroponic system to keep the stability of Tl(III). As the plant density was reduced from 40 seedlings to 10 seedlings in 100 mL Tl(III) solution, the content of oxalate was declined to one-third of the original, and the ratio of Tl(III)/total Tl was increased from 39.6% to 81.0% in the first 2 h treatment. Then the differences in antioxidant capacity of rice exposed to the two Tl species were studied. The contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂˙^-) of rice roots exposed to Tl(III) were all higher than those to Tl(I). Meanwhile, the catalase (CAT) activity was significantly depressed and peroxidase (POD) was increased by Tl(III), whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed a rise in both Tl(I) and Tl(III) with no significant difference between them. The expression of metallothionein gene OsMT1a to Tl(I) was upregulated to 255.5 times of Tl(III) though OsMT2c was downregulated to 0.39 times of Tl(III). Overall, the different responses in metallothionein gene expression and antioxidative enzyme activation might result in more ROS accumulation to rice roots by Tl(III) treatment than those by Tl(I).

Removal of thallium in water/wastewater: A review

The frequent occurrence of thallium (Tl) in surface water has led to the imposition of strict environmental regulations. The need for an overview of effective and feasible technology to remove Tl from water/wastewater has therefore become urgently. This review introduced the current available methods for Tl removal, including adsorption, oxidation-reduction precipitation, solvent extraction and ion exchange processes, and summarized their advantages and disadvantages. The results showed that a single treatment technology was difficult to remove Tl to a trace level of "μg L^-1", which required combined multi-technology to enhance the removal efficiency. In addition, the potential emergency and feasible technologies for Tl removal were recommended. However, several fundamental issues, such as the comparative toxicity of Tl(I) and Tl(III), the confliction of hydrolysis constants, the interference of complexant ligands as well as the influence of redox potential, were still needed to be addressed, since they would profoundly affect the selection of adopted treatment methods and the behavior of Tl removal. Future research efforts concerning the improvement of existing Tl removal technologies should be devoted to (a) developing multi-functional chemicals and adsorbents, non-toxic extractants, easy-recovery ion exchange resin and high-efficient coupling technology for advanced treatment, (b) carrying out large-scale experiments and economic assessment for real wastewater, and (c) providing safe-disposal treatment for the exhausted adsorption materials or sludge.

Potential exposure to metals and health risks of metal intake from Tieguanyin tea production in Anxi, China

The metal content of Tieguanyin tea from Anxi, Southeast China, was studied. Leaching experiments were designed based on the local tea-drinking habits, and tea infusions were prepared using three types of water and two methods of soaking tea. Twelve metals (Cd, As, Cr, Pb, Se, Sb, Ag, Tl, Cu, Zn, Be, and Ba) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and a human health risk assessment was performed. The results showed that the quality of water used for steeping tea has a direct effect on the leaching concentrations of metals in the tea infusion and this effect can be reduced by using pure water or commercially available drinking water. Further, the two tea-soaking methods used by local residents can reduce the metal intake. The health risk assessment determined that the carcinogenic risk values of Cr, As, and Pb (Cr > Pb > As) were within an acceptable range (10^-7-10^-4); therefore, the concentrations of these metals in tea infusions do not pose substantial carcinogenic risk to tea drinkers. The results also indicate that the high concentrations of Tl in the tea infusions pose a substantial noncarcinogenic risk and may result from the dissolution characteristics of Tl and the water quality.

Bioaccumulation of Tl in otoliths of Trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus) from the Athabasca River, upstream and downstream of bitumen mining and upgrading

It has been suggested that open pit mining and upgrading of bitumen in northern Alberta releases Tl and other potentially toxic elements to the Athabasca River and its watershed. We examined Tl and other trace elements in otoliths of Trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), a non-migratory fish species, collected along the Athabasca River. Otoliths were analyzed using ICP-QMS, following acid digestion, in the metal-free, ultraclean SWAMP laboratory. Compared to their average abundance in the dissolved (<0.45 μm) fraction of Athabasca River, Tl showed the greatest enrichment in otoliths of any of the trace elements, with enrichments decreasing in the order Tl, Sr, Mn, Zn, Ba, Th, Ni, Rb, Fe, Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, Co, Li, Y, V, and Mo. Normalizing Tl in the otoliths to the concentrations of lithophile elements such as Li, Rb, Al or Y in the same tissue reveals average enrichments of 177, 22, 19 and 190 times, respectively, relative to the corresponding ratios in the water. None of the element concentrations (Tl, Li, Rb, Al, Y) or ratios were significantly greater downstream of industry compared to upstream. This natural bioaccumulation of Tl most likely reflects the similarity in geochemical and biological properties of Tl⁺ and K⁺. SUMMARY OF MAIN FINDINGS: Thallium is enriched in fish otoliths, relative to the chemical composition of the river, to the same degree both upstream and downstream of industry.

Influence of environmental and anthropogenic parameters on thallium oxidation state in natural waters

The abandoned mining area of Valdicastello Carducci (Tuscany, Italy) is characterized by the massive presence of thallium in the acid mine drainages and in the valley stream crossing the region. We previously found that Tl(III), generally considered the less stable oxidation state of thallium, is present both in the stream and in tap water distributed in the area, whereas acid mine drainages only contain Tl(I). These findings posed some concern related to the reactivity and dispersion of this toxic element in the environment. Since the valence state of thallium determines its toxicity, distribution and mobility, the study of thallium redox speciation appears crucial to understand its environmental behaviour. In this work, water samples collected from the mine drainages and the contaminated stream were adopted as model to study the distribution of aqueous Tl(I)/Tl(III) as a function of light exposure and solution properties and composition. The influence of three light sources and organic acids was evaluated. Thallium speciation was also assessed in tap water after treatment with common oxidizing agents, and in the rust crust collected from the public waterworks.

Chelation of Thallium (III) in Rats Using Combined Deferasirox and Deferiprone Therapy

Thallium and its compounds are a class of highly toxic chemicals that cause wide-ranging symptoms such as gastrointestinal disturbances; polyneuritis; encephalopathy; tachycardia; skin eruptions; hepatic, renal, cardiac, and neurological toxicities; and have mutagenic and genotoxic effects. The present research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the chelating agents deferasirox (DFX) and deferiprone (L1) in reducing serum and tissue thallium levels after the administration of thallium (III), according to two different dosing regimens, to several groups of Wistar rats for 60 days. It was hypothesized that the two chelators might be more efficient as a combined therapy than as monotherapies in removing thallium (III) from the rats' organs. The chelators were administered orally as either single or combined therapies for a period of 14 days. Serum and tissue thallium (III) and iron concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum and tissue thallium (III) levels were significantly reduced by combined therapy with DFX and L1. Additionally, iron concentrations returned to normal levels and symptoms of toxicity decreased.

Thallium Transfer from Hydrochloric Acid Media into Pure Ionic Liquids

Pure hydrophobic ionic liquids are known to extract metallic species from aqueous solutions. In this work we have systematically investigated thallium (Tl) extraction from aqueous hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions into six pure fluorinated ionic liquids, namely imidazolium- and pyrrolidinium-based ionic liquids with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and bis(fluorosulfonyl)-imide anions. The dependence of the Tl extraction efficiency on the structure and composition of the ionic liquid ions, metal oxidation state, and initial metal and aqueous acid concentrations have been studied. Tl concentrations were on the order of picomolar (analyzed using radioactive tracers) and millimolar (analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry). The extraction of the cationic thallium species Tl(+) is higher for ionic liquids with more hydrophilic cations, while for the TlX(z)(3-z) anionic species (where X = Cl(-) and/or Br(-)), the extraction efficiency is greater for ionic liquids with more hydrophobic cations. The highest distribution value of Tl(III) was approximately 2000. An improved mathematical model based on ion exchange and ion pair formation mechanisms has been developed to describe the coextraction of two different anionic species, and the relative contributions of each mechanism have been determined.

Stability of Tl(III) in the context of speciation analysis of thallium in plants

The paper presents both "good" and "bad" results obtained during speciation analysis of thallium in plant tissues of a hyperaccumulator of this metal. The object was white mustard - Sinapis alba L. In this plant there were found traces of trivalent thallium. The crucial point of this study (especially in the case of so unstable thallium form as Tl(III)) was to prove that the presence of Tl(III) was not caused by the procedure of sample preparation itself, and that the whole analytical method provides reliable results. Choice of the method for conservation of the initial speciation, extraction with the highest efficiency and proving the correctness of the obtained data were the most difficult parts of the presented study. It was found that: both freezing and drying cause significant changes in the speciation of thallium; quantitative analysis could be performed only with fresh tissues of mustard plants; only short-term storage of an extract from fresh plant tissues is possible; the methodology is not the source of thallium (III); only the presence of DTPA can greatly limit the reduction of TI(III) to TI(I) (up to 1-3%); the UV irradiation results in disintegration of TI(III)DTPA in the presence of plant matrix (reduction up to 90%).

Direct speciation analysis of thallium based on solid phase extraction and specific retention of a Tl(III) complex on alumina coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate

Alumina (Al2O3) with an average particle size of 63 μm was modified with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and then applied to (i) solid phase extraction and separation of both thallium(I) and thallium(III), and (ii) preconcentration of Tl(III) from waste water samples. Only Tl(III), in the form of its complex with diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), was retained on the sorbent, from where it can be eluted with 40 % nitric acid. Thallium species were then quantified by ICP MS. The method was characterized by a LOD of 25 pg of Tl(I) and 160 pg of Tl(III) in 10 mL samples. A large excesses of Tl(I) over Tl(III) was tolerated, and relatively high levels of other metal ions, such as a 500-fold excess of Pb(II) and Cd(II), and a 2000-fold excess of Zn(II), respectively, do not interfere. The sorbent was easily prepared and possesses a high loading capacity, and these properties make it an attractive material for rapid and efficient extraction and speciation of Tl. Graphical abstract:Schematic of the SPE procedure for separation (with preconcentration) of Tl(III) from Tl(I) was developed and applied to direct speciation analysis of thallium in wastewater. Self-made columns packed with alumina coated with SDS were used. The method is resistant to interferences from Pb, Cd, Zn and tolerates a large excess of Tl(I) over Tl(III).

Assessing the fate and toxicity of Thallium I and Thallium III to three aquatic organisms

Thallium has been shown to significantly increase in both water and aquatic biota after exposure to metal mine effluent, however, there is a lack of knowledge as to its fate and effect in the aquatic environment. The objectives of this project were to assess (1) fate of thallium by conducting speciation analysis and determining the influence of water quality on toxicity and (2) effects of thallium (I) and (III) on three aquatic species; the algae, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia and the vertebrate Pimephales promelas. Speciation analysis proved challenging with poor recovery of thallium (I), however analysis with solutions >125μg/L revealed that over a 7-d period, recovery of thallium (III) was less than 15%, suggesting that the majority of thallium (III) was converted to Thallium (I). It was only in fresh solutions where recovery of Thallium (III) was greater than 80%. The lowest IC25s generated during our effects assessment for both Thallium (I) and (III) were more than 10-fold greater than the highest concentration recorded in receiving environments (8μg/L) and more than 100-fold greater than the current guideline (0.8μg/L). To assess the influence of water quality on thallium toxicity, the concentrations of both potassium and calcium were reduced in dilution water. When potassium was reduced for both C. dubia and P. subcapitata tests, the lowest IC25 generated was 5-fold higher than the current guideline, but within the range of concentrations reported in receiving environments for both Thallium (I) and (III). When calcium was reduced in dilution water, toxicity only increased in the Tl (III) tests with C. dubia; the IC25 for Tl(III), similar to the exposures conducted with reduced potassium, was within the range of total thallium concentrations reported in the receiving environment. Without an accurate, repeatable method to assess thallium speciation at low concentrations it is not possible to draw any firm conclusions as to whether the IC25s for Tl (III) are relevant to concentrations present in receiving environments. Based on the results of our study we recommend that any test, to determine Thallium (III) toxicity, use fresh solutions, made daily, to get good recovery and accurate toxicity results. The results generated in our effects and exposure assessment would indicate that the current guideline of 0.8μg/L is protective. Special attention should be placed on the concentration of potassium in receiving environments when estimating thallium toxicity.

Arsenic, Antimony, Chromium, and Thallium Speciation in Water and Sediment Samples with the LC-ICP-MS Technique

Chemical speciation is a very important subject in the environmental protection, toxicology, and chemical analytics due to the fact that toxicity, availability, and reactivity of trace elements depend on the chemical forms in which these elements occur. Research on low analyte levels, particularly in complex matrix samples, requires more and more advanced and sophisticated analytical methods and techniques. The latest trends in this field concern the so-called hyphenated techniques. Arsenic, antimony, chromium, and (underestimated) thallium attract the closest attention of toxicologists and analysts. The properties of those elements depend on the oxidation state in which they occur. The aim of the following paper is to answer the question why the speciation analytics is so important. The paper also provides numerous examples of the hyphenated technique usage (e.g., the LC-ICP-MS application in the speciation analysis of chromium, antimony, arsenic, or thallium in water and bottom sediment samples). An important issue addressed is the preparation of environmental samples for speciation analysis.

Chelation of thallium by combining deferasirox and desferrioxamine in rats

The hypothesis that two known chelators deferasirox (4-[3,5-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]-benzoic acid) and desferrioxamine (DFO) might be more efficient as combined treatment than as monotherapies in removing thallium from the body was tested in a new acute rat model. 7-week-old male Wistar rats received chelators: deferasirox (orally), DFO (intraperitoneal; i.p.), or deferasirox + DFO as 75 or 150 mg/kg dose half an hour after a single i.p. administration of 8 mg thallium/kg body weight in the form of chloride. Serum thallium concentration, urinary thallium, and iron excretions were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Both chelators were effective only at the higher dose level, while DFO was more effective than deferasirox in enhancing urinary thallium excretion, deferasirox was more effective than DFO in enhancing urinary iron excretion. In the combined treatment group, deferasirox did not increase the DFO effect on thallium and DFO did not increase the effect of deferasirox on iron elimination. Our results support the usefulness of this animal model for preliminary in vivo testing of thallium chelators. Urinary values were more useful because of the high variability of serum results.

Sensitive determination of thallium species in drinking and natural water by ionic liquid-assisted ion-pairing liquid-liquid microextraction and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A fast and simple method involving separation and determination of thallium (Tl) species, based on novel ionic liquid-assisted ion pairing dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) method, was developed. Initially, Tl(III) was selectively complexed with chloride ion to form [TlCl(4)](-) chlorocomplex. Subsequently, tetradecyl(trihexyl)phosphonium chloride ionic liquid (CYPHOS(®) IL 101) was used to form the ion-pair with [TlCl(4)](-) anion followed by extraction. The DLLME procedure was developed by dispersing 80 μL of carbon tetrachloride with 100 μL of ethanol added to the aqueous solution. After DLLME, the upper aqueous phase containing Tl(I) only was removed and analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In contrast to Tl(III), Tl(I) species does not form neither stable nor anionic complexes with chloride ions and it was not extracted into the organic phase. Total Tl concentration was obtained by direct introduction of sample into ICP-MS instrument. The calibration graph for the analyte was linear with a correlation coefficient of 0.9989. Under optimal conditions, detection limit of Tl species was 0.4 ng L(-1). The relative standard deviation (n=10) at 1 ng mL(-1) Tl concentration level was 1.3% for Tl(I) and 1.5% for Tl(III). The method was successfully applied for fast speciation analysis of Tl at ultratrace levels in real water samples.

Voltammetric and electrochemical gravimetric selective detection of interactions between Tl(I) and guanine and the influence on activity of DNA drug-intercalators

The interactions of Tl(I), a well known toxic species, with selected oligonucleotides were examined. The oligonucleotide sequences selected for the investigation were taken from gene hOGG1 responsible for repairing of DNA damage. Cyclic voltammetry was particularly useful, since nitrogen N-7 in guanine can be electrooxidized while its binding with Tl(I) leads to the loss of electroactivity. So, this selected interaction could be quantitatively used in drawing Scatchard's plot and calculating the binding constants and the number of active sites in guanine molecules occupied by one metal ion. Further, we have shown that the presence of Tl(I) leads to a decrease in activity of doxorubicin (DOX), a popular anticancer drug, vs. DNA. The obtained circular dichroism (CD) spectra and the measurements with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) led to a conclusion that in the presence of monovalent thallium cations the DNA double helix was neither damaged/oxidized nor its conformation changed substantially.

Genetic toxicology of thallium: a review

This review summarizes the current knowledge about the general toxicity of thallium (Tl) and its environmental sources, with special emphasis placed on its potential mutagenic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects on both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Tl is a nonessential heavy metal that poses environmental and occupational threats as well as therapeutic hazards because of its use in medicine. It is found in two oxidation states, thallous (Tl(+)) and thallic (Tl(3+)), both of which are considered highly toxic to human beings and domestic and wild organisms. Many Tl compounds are colorless, odorless and tasteless, and these characteristics, combined with the high toxicity of TI compounds, have led to their use as poisons. Because of its similarity to potassium ions (K(+)), plants and mammals readily absorb Tl(+) through the skin and digestive and respiratory systems. In mammals, it can cross the placental, hematoencephalic, and gonadal barriers. Inside cells, Tl can accumulate and interfere with the metabolism of potassium and other metal cations, mimicking or inhibiting their action. The effects of Tl on genetic material have not yet been thoroughly explored, and few existing studies have focused exclusively on Tl(+). Both in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that Tl compounds can have a weak mutagenic effect, but no definitive effect on the induction of primary DNA damage or chromosomal damage has been shown. These studies have demonstrated that Tl compounds are highly toxic and lead to changes in cell-cycle progression.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-pore thallium (III) ion-imprinted polymer as a new sorbent for separation and preconcentration of thallium

Thallium (III) ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) particles were synthesized by preparing the ternary complex of thallium (III) ions with 5,7-dichloroquinoline-8-ol (DCQ) and 4-vinylpyridine (VP). Thermal copolymerization with methyl methacrylate (functional monomer, MMA) and ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (cross-linking monomer, EGDMA) was then performed in the presence of acetonitrile (porogen) and 2,2- azobisisobutyronitrile(initiator, AIBN). The imprinted ion was removed from polymer by stirring of the above particles with 5M HNO(3) to obtain the leached IIP particles. Moreover, control polymer (CP) particles were similarly prepared without the thallium (III) ions. The unleached and leached IIP particles were characterized by surface area analysis (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The preconcentration of thallium (III) from aqueous solution was studied during rebinding with the leached IIP particles as a function of pH, the weight of the polymer material, the uptake and desorption times, the aqueous phase and the desorption volumes. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was employed for determination of thallium in aqueous solution. The limit of detection for the method was 0.02 ng mL(-1), while the relative standard deviation for five replicates was 2.6%.

Removal of thallium by deferasirox in rats as biological model

The present research aimed to characterize the potential efficiency of deferasirox in removing thallium after its administration for 30 days following two dose levels of 20 and 160 μm of thallium (III) chloride to male Wistar rats every day. After thallium administration some abnormal clinical signs such as red staining around the eyes, greenish mottling on the liver, weakness, loss of hair and weight, were observed in animals. Deferasirox was given orally to different groups of rats for a period of one week immediately after thallium administration. After chelation therapy, animals were killed by exsanguination from the abdominal aorta, and then thallium and iron concentrations in various tissues were determined by standard addition method. The chelation therapy results showed that deferasirox was able to remove thallium ions from the body and clinical symptoms were also reduced.

Development of [201Tl](III)-DTPA-human polyclonal antibody complex for inflammation detection

Thallium-201 (T 1/2=3.04 d) in Tl+ form was converted to Tl3+ cation in presence of O3 in 6 M HCl controlled by RTLC/gel electrophoresis methods and used in the labeling of human polyclonal antibody (HIgG) after conjugation with freshly prepared cyclic DTPA-dianhydride. The best results of the conjugation were obtained by the addition of 1 mL of a HIgG pharmaceutical solution (5 mg/ml, in phosphate buffer, pH=7) to a glass tube pre-coated with DTPA-dianhydride (0.01 mg) at 25 °C with continuous mild stirring for 30 min. The final isotonic [201Tl](III)-DTPA-HIgG complex was checked by radio-TLC using several solvent systems to ensure the formation of only one species followed by filtration through a 0.22 μ filter (specific activity= 33.7 TBq/mM, radiochemical purity >95%). Preliminary bio-distribution studies in normal and inflammation-bearing rats were performed. The target/skin and target/blood ratios were 4 and 6 after 28 h respectively, showing the selectivity of the radiopharmaceutical for the inflammatory lesions.

[201Tl](III)-bleomycin for tumor imaging

Due to interesting physical properties and wide availability of thallium-201 as a SPECT radionuclide, the idea of incorporation of this nuclide into biologically active compounds was targeted. Thallium-201 (T 1/2 = 3.04 d) in Tl+ form was converted to Tl3+ cation in presence of O3 in 6 M HCl controlled by RTLC/gel electrophoresis methods. The final evaporated activity was reacted with bleomycin in normal saline to yield [201Tl]BLM at room temperature after 0.5 h (radiochemical yield > 99%) followed by HPLC analysis. The studies showed that thallic ion is mostly incorporated into bleomycin A2 while other species in the pharmaceutical sample almost remain unlabeled. Radiochemical purity of more than 99% was obtained using RTLC, HPLC with specific activity of about 7 Ci/mmol. The stability of the tracer was checked in the final product in presence of human serum at 37 °C up to 3 d. The tracer accumulated in tumors of fibrosarcoma-bearing mice after 72 h.