Application of the biotic ligand model to explain potassium interaction with thallium uptake and toxicity to plankton

Toxic effects of thallium (Tl+) on prokaryotic alga Microcystis aeruginosa: Short and long-term influences by potassium and humic acid

Thallium (Tl) is a priority pollutant regulated by the US EPA. It is also a critical element commonly used in high technology industries; with an increasing demand for semiconductors nowadays, wastewater discharges from manufacturing plants or metal mining activities may result in elevated levels of thallium in receiving water harming aquatic organisms. Regarding the impact of thallium on freshwater algae, little attention has been paid to prokaryotic physiology through various exposure periods. In this bench-scale study, prokaryotic alga Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 was cultured in modified BG11 medium and exposed to Tl+ (TlNO3) ranging from 250 to 1250 μg/L for 4 and 14 days. Throughout the experiment using flow cytometry assays, algal population, cell membrane integrity, oxidation stress level, and chlorophyll fluorescence were exacerbated following the exposure to 750 μg Tl/L (approximately 4-day effective concentration of Tl+ for reducing 50% of algal population). Potassium and humic acid (HA) (1-5 mg/L) were added to study their influences on the thallium toxicity. With the additions of potassium, thallium toxicities to algal population and physiology were not significantly changed within 4 days, while they were alleviated within 14 days. With the addition of HA at 1 mg/L, cell membrane integrity was significantly attenuated within 4 days; ameliorating effects on algal population and oxidative stress were not observed until day 14. Thallium toxicities on oxidative stress level and photosynthesis activity were exacerbated in the presence of HA at 3-5 mg/L. The study provides useful information for further studies on the mode of toxic action of Tl+ in prokaryotic algae; it also demonstrates the necessity of considering short and long-term exposure durations while incorporating water chemistry into assessment of thallium toxicity to algae.

Is Oxalic Acid Secretion A Detoxification Strategy for Rice Exposed to Tl(I) or Tl(III)?

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic element with two species, Tl(I) and Tl(III). We discovered the Tl uptake in rice exposed to Tl(III) hydroponic treatment was significantly lower than that to Tl(I) treatment, but the content of oxalic acid secreted from roots in Tl(III) treatment was higher than that in Tl(I). The physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the difference between the two Tl species were studied using a hydroponic system. The results showed the reduction of oxalic acid content had no effect on the amount of Tl on the root surface, indicating oxalic acid might not immobilize Tl to affect the Tl uptake. Therefore, the secretion of oxalic acid from roots may not be a strategy for detoxifying Tl in rice. Notably, Tl(III) increased the expression of Oryza sativa H⁺-ATPase genes OsAs and the activity of H⁺-ATPase, and decreased potassium transport gene expression of OsKAT1.1 and OsHKT2;4, which indicated that the difference in Tl uptake of rice between the two Tl species mainly cause by the potassium transport system rather than oxalic acid.

Effect of thallium on phototactic behaviour in Daphnia magna

Thallium (Tl) is a trace metal enriched in wastewaters associated with mining and smelting of base metals. The toxicity of Tl to aquatic biota is poorly understood, particularly with respect to its sublethal effects. In this study, phototactic behavioural responses of naïve (i.e. no previous exposure to Tl) Daphnia magna, a key regulatory freshwater crustacean species, were examined in waters containing Tl. Fed and fasted neonate daphnids (< 24 h old) and fed adults (10-15 days old) showed no significant response at any tested water Tl concentration. However, in fasted adults, an increase in the positive phototactic response (measured as a greater number of daphnids closer to the light source after a 5-min exposure) was seen at Tl concentrations of 917 and 2099 µg L-1, values representative of extreme environmental Tl concentrations. The presence of Tl also decreased the swimming speed of adult Daphnia towards a light source. In the presence of cimetidine, a histamine receptor blocker, the increase in positive phototaxis induced by Tl disappeared, suggesting that Tl acts to perturb the phototaxis response through sensory inhibition. Conversely, although there was a trend towards enhanced activity, Tl had no significant effect on acetylcholinesterase, a marker of locomotor capacity.

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.

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.

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.

Assessment of intracellular accumulation of cadmium and thallium

The aim of the study was to develop fast and accurate method for assessment of intracellular level of cadmium (Cd) and thallium (Tl), and to establish accumulation of the metals in the cells. HepG2 cells were treated with Cd or Tl (1.0 or 10.0 mg/L; 24 h) and level of Cd or Tl was assessed. ICP-MS was applied and the method was optimized and validated. Correlation coefficient (R²) for Cd was 0.9999 with intercept 0.0732 while for Tl was 1.00009 with intercept -0.1497, and limit of detection (LOD) for Cd was 0.020 μg/L and for Tl 0.097 μg/L. Both metals, Cd and Tl, accumulate in the cells in concentration-dependent manner. However, higher uptake of Cd in comparison to Tl was observed. Cells treated with the same concentration of the metal (1.0 mg/L) accumulated 10.0% of Cd and 1.0% of Tl. Higher uptake of Cd than Tl can explain higher toxicity of Cd toward HepG2 cells. Obtained results imply to the importance of monitoring the level of metals in the cells in order to connect changes at the molecular level with exposure to specific metal.

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.

Emerging risks of toxic metal(loid)s in soil-vegetables influenced by steel-making activities and isotopic source apportionment

Industrial activities tend to deteriorate adjacent agricultural lands due to accumulation of potentially toxic elements in soils and crops. However, better understanding of their distinctive source partitions and transfer process remains insufficient in steel-making area. The paper focuses on the pollution levels, health risks, and provenance identification of Tl, As, Pb, Cu, Ni, Co, Sb, Cd, Zn, Be, Cr, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sn, and V in common vegetables from different farmlands near a steel-making plant. The results showed that the Tl, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Mn were of high-level contamination in soils and generally above the maximum permissible level (MPL). Calculation using hazard quotients (HQ) exhibited that consumption of the studied vegetables may entail significant health risks to residents, especially for children, resulting from the elevated contents of Tl, As and associated toxic elements. Calculation by binary mixing model using Pb isotopic compositions suggested that steel-making activities contributed to 35-80% of the contamination of Pb and As in vegetables. It is necessary to adopt appropriate remediation measures to mitigate the farmland contamination and ensure the food safety of the agricultural products.

Thallium Toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans: Involvement of the SKN-1 Pathway and Protection by S-Allylcysteine

Monovalent thallium (Tl⁺) is a cation that can exert complex neurotoxic patterns in the brain by mechanisms that have yet to be completely characterized. To learn more about Tl⁺ toxicity, it is necessary to investigate its major effects in vivo and its ability to trigger specific signaling pathways (such as the antioxidant SKN-1 pathway) in different biological models. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a nematode constituting a simple in vivo biological model with a well-characterized nervous system, and high genetic homology to mammalian systems. In this study, both wild-type (N2) and skn-1 knockout (KO) mutant C. elegans strains subjected to acute and chronic exposures to Tl⁺ [2.5-35 μM] were evaluated for physiological stress (survival, longevity, and worm size), motor alterations (body bends), and biochemical changes (glutathione S-transferase regulation in a gst-4 fluorescence strain). While survival was affected by Tl⁺ in N2 and skn-1 KO (worms lacking the orthologue of mammalian Nrf2) strains in a similar manner, the longevity was more prominently decreased in the skn-1 KO strain compared with the wild-type strain. Moreover, chronic exposure led to a greater compromise in the longevity in both strains compared with acute exposure. Tl⁺ also induced motor alterations in both skn-1 KO and wild-type strains, as well as changes in worm size in wild-type worms. In addition, preconditioning nematodes with the well-known antioxidant S-allylcysteine (SAC) reversed the Tl⁺-induced decrease in survival in the N2 strain. GST fluorescent expression was also decreased by the metal in the nematode, and recovered by SAC. Our results describe and validate, for the first time, features of the toxic pattern induced by Tl⁺ in an in vivo biological model established with C. elegans, supporting an altered redox component in Tl⁺ toxicity, as previously described in mammal models. We demonstrate that the presence of the orthologous SKN-1 pathway is required for worms in evoking an efficient antioxidant defense. Therefore, the nematode represents an optimal model to reproduce mammalian Tl⁺ toxicity, where toxic mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches of clinical value may be successfully pursued.

Geochemical fractionation of thallium in contaminated soils near a large-scale Hg-Tl mineralised area

Enriched levels of thallium (Tl) in the environment are not only derived from anthropogenic sources but also have potential natural origins owing to Tl-rich sulphide mineralization. However, little is known regarding the geochemical fractionations of Tl in contaminated soils from geogenic sources. This study aims to reveal the Tl geochemical fractionations in different types of soils from a large-scale independent Tl mine in southwestern China, via a modified Institute for Reference Materials and Measurement (IRMM) sequential extraction (four-step) scheme. The results revealed that a large percentage of Tl was related to the labile portions (including reducible, weak-acid-exchangeable, and oxidizable fraction) of the soils (68.8-367 mg kg^-1). Further analyses by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (STEM-EDS) found that Tl mainly existed in the Fe-containing minerals (such as jarosite and hematite) with fine particles (∼1 μm). These results highlight that, apart from the anthropogenically induced Tl pollution, the naturally occurring Tl contamination in soils may also pose significant risks to human health and ecological safety. Owing to the relatively high mobility and bioavailability of Tl in the labile fractions, it is important to understand geochemical fractionations of this element for alleviating Tl pollution and effective management of naturally occurring Tl contaminated soils.

The Effect of Major Ions and Dissolved Organic Matter on Complexation and Toxicity of Dissolved Thallium to Daphnia magna

Thallium (Tl) is a trace element associated with base metal mining and processing, but little is known regarding how its toxicity is influenced by water chemistry. In the present study, the 48-h median lethal concentration (LC50) of Tl to Daphnia magna was determined in a standard laboratory water, and toxicity was reassessed under conditions of varying cation (Ca²⁺ , K⁺ , Na⁺ ), anion (Cl^- , HCO^-₃ ), and dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations. The calculated 48-h LC50 of 1.86 mg Tl/L was consistent with previous work on Tl toxicity to D. magna. At the 48-h LC50 concentration, changes in water chemistry had no statistically significant effect on mortality, although there was a trend toward lower Tl toxicity with elevated water K⁺ . Test waters containing 10 mM CaCl₂ did not support control survival. The measurement of Tl complexation with DOM using asymmetric flow field flow fractionation confirmed the outcomes of biogeochemical speciation modeling: Tl speciation was relatively unaffected by water chemistry, and the majority of Tl remained in the ionic form across all treatments. These data indicate that Tl toxicity is largely independent of speciation, a property that will greatly simplify risk assessments for this metal in freshwaters. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2472-2479. © 2019 SETAC.

Removal of thallium from environmental samples using a raw and chemically modified biosorbent derived from domestic wastes

Because of its high toxicity, thallium (Tl) causes environmental pollution even at very low concentrations. Despite its extremely high environmental risk, limited information about Tl removal from water is present on the literature. This work focused on the use of an eco-friendly and low-cost Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate) biowaste to remove Tl from environmental water samples. Raw (YM) and L-cysteine chemically modified yerba mate (YM@LC) were used. The effect of pH and biosorbent concentration on the biosorption capacity was studied using an experimental design. The optimal experimental conditions were as follows: YM concentration 0.25 g L^-1, pH 6.0, and YM@LC concentration 0.25 g L^-1, pH 4.0. Kinetic studies yielded data that were in accordance with pseudo-second-order model. Equilibrium studies were also developed and indicated that the most appropriate model was that of Sips, with a maximum capacity of biosorption at 328 K of 333.4 mg g^-1 for YM and 384.4 mg g^-1 for YM@LC. The thermodynamic evaluation exhibited an endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable biosorption for both biosorbents. YM and YM@LC showed significant potential for Tl removal from environmental water samples.

Copper toxicity to blue mussel embryos (Mytilus galloprovincialis): The effect of natural dissolved organic matter on copper toxicity in estuarine waters

Copper (Cu) is a naturally occurring micronutrient of eco-toxicological concern in aquatic ecosystems. Current knowledge of Cu-speciation and bioavailability in natural saline environments is insufficient to adequately inform environmental protection policy for estuarine systems. We assessed the combined effect of two of the main drivers of metal bioavailability, salinity and natural dissolved organic carbon (DOC), on Cu-speciation and associated Cu-toxicity to blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) embryos in a standard 48-h bioassay. We placed special emphasis on measurement of Cu-speciation rather than modelling. Cu-toxicity was found to be a function of DOC and salinity. The varying protective effect of different DOC-types suggests that estuarine DOC is more protective against Cu-toxicity than oceanic DOC. Salinity was negatively correlated with [Cu_48-h-EC50], indicating a salinity-induced alteration in the physiology of the exposed mussel embryos and/or Cu-DOC-reactivity. These two assumptions were supported by (1) the relative uniformity of bioavailable copper ([Cu']) across similar salinity treatments despite considerable variation in [Cu_48-h-EC50] and DOC-concentrations, and (2) the fact that Cu-toxicity and [Cu'] were slightly higher in the 35 salinity treatment compared to the 25 salinity treatment. Stripping voltammetry studies determined the presence of only one strong Cu-binding ligand class (i.e., L₁), either actively or passively released by the exposed embryos. [L₁] was found to be proportional to the total dissolved Cu-concentration ([Cu_T]), suggesting a protective effect of Cu-binding-ligands, in addition to the protective effect of DOC. There was also a strong positive correlation between [L₁] and [Cu_48-h-EC50], implying that electrochemically defined ligand concentrations along with measurements of [Cu'], DOC-quality, and salinity can be used as proxies for 48-h-EC₅₀ Cu-values in estuarine waters, which may result in a significant improvement to risk assessments of Cu in estuarine systems.

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.

Thallium in flowering cabbage and lettuce: Potential health risks for local residents of the Pearl River Delta, South China

Thallium (Tl), a rare metal, is universally present in the environment with high toxicity and accumulation. Thallium's behavior and fate require further study, especially in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), where severe Tl pollution incidents have occurred. One hundred two pairs of soil and flowering cabbage samples and 91 pairs of soil and lettuce samples were collected from typical farmland protection areas and vegetable bases across the PRD, South China. The contamination levels and spatial distributions of soil and vegetable (flowering cabbages and lettuces) Tl across the PRD were investigated. The relative contributions of soil properties to the bioavailability of Tl in vegetables were evaluated using random forest. Random forest is an accurate learning algorithm and is superior to conventional and correlation-based regression analyses. In addition, the health risks posed by Tl exposure via vegetable intake for residents of the PRD were assessed. The results indicated that rapidly available potassium (K) and total K in soil were the most important factors affecting Tl bioavailability, and the competitive effect of rapidly available K on vegetable Tl uptake was confirmed in this field study. Soil weathering also contributed substantially to Tl accumulation in the vegetables. In contrast, organic matter might not be a major factor affecting the mobility of Tl in most of the lettuce soils. Fe and manganese (Mn) oxides also contributed little to the bioavailability of Tl. A risk assessment suggested that the health risks for Tl exposure through flowering cabbage or lettuce intake were minimal.

Effective removal of trace thallium from surface water by nanosized manganese dioxide enhanced quartz sand filtration

Thallium (Tl) has drawn wide concern due to its high toxicity even at extremely low concentrations, as well as its tendency for significant accumulation in the human body and other organisms. The need to develop effective strategies for trace Tl removal from drinking water is urgent. In this study, the removal of trace Tl (0.5 μg L^-1) by conventional quartz sand filtration enhanced by nanosized manganese dioxide (nMnO₂) has been investigated using typical surface water obtained from northeast China. The results indicate that nMnO₂ enhanced quartz sand filtration could remove trace Tl(I) and Tl(III) efficiently through the adsorption of Tl onto nMnO₂ added to a water matrix and onto nMnO₂ attached on quartz sand surfaces. Tl(III)-HA complexes might be responsible for higher residual Tl(III) in the effluent compared to residual Tl(I). Competitive Ca²⁺ cations inhibit Tl removal to a certain extent because the Ca²⁺ ions will occupy the Tl adsorption site on nMnO₂. Moreover, high concentrations of HA (10 mgTOC L^-1), which notably complexes with and dissolves nMnO₂ (more than 78%), resulted in higher residual Tl(I) and Tl(III). Tl(III)-HA complexes might also enhance Tl(III) penetration to a certain extent. Additionally, a higher pH level could enhance the removal of trace Tl from surface water. Finally, a slight increase of residual Tl was observed after backwash, followed by the reduction of the Tl concentration in the effluent to a "steady" state again. The knowledge obtained here may provide a potential strategy for drinking water treatment plants threatened by trace Tl.

Significantly improving trace thallium removal from surface waters during coagulation enhanced by nanosized manganese dioxide

Thallium (Tl) is an element of high toxicity and significant accumulation in human body. There is an urgent need for the development of appropriate strategies for trace Tl removal in drinking water treatment plants. In this study, the efficiency and mechanism of trace Tl (0.5 μg/L) removal by conventional coagulation enhanced by nanosized manganese dioxide (nMnO₂) were explored in simulated water and two representative surface waters (a river water and a reservoir water obtained from Northeast China). Experimental results showed that nMnO₂ significantly improve Tl(I) removal from selected waters. The removal efficiency was dramatically higher in the simulated water, demonstrating by less than 0.1 μg/L Tl residual. The enhancement of trace Tl removal in the surface waters decreased to a certain extent. Both adjusting water pH to alkaline condition and preoxidation of Tl(I) to Tl(III) benefit trace Tl removal from surface waters. Data also indicated that competitive cation of Ca²⁺ decreased the efficiency of trace Tl removal, resulting from the reduction of Tl adsorption on nMnO₂. Humic acid could largely low Tl removal efficiency during nMnO₂ enhanced coagulation processes. Trace elemental Tl firstly adsorbed on nMnO₂ and then removed accompanying with nMnO₂ settling. The information obtained in the present study may provide a potential strategy for drinking water treatment plants threatened by trace Tl.

Presence of thallium in the environment: sources of contaminations, distribution and monitoring methods

Thallium is released into the biosphere from both natural and anthropogenic sources. It is generally present in the environment at low levels; however, human activity has greatly increased its content. Atmospheric emission and deposition from industrial sources have resulted in increased concentrations of thallium in the vicinity of mineral smelters and coal-burning facilities. Increased levels of thallium are found in vegetables, fruit and farm animals. Thallium is toxic even at very low concentrations and tends to accumulate in the environment once it enters the food chain. Thallium and thallium-based compounds exhibit higher water solubility compared to other heavy metals. They are therefore also more mobile (e.g. in soil), generally more bioavailable and tend to bioaccumulate in living organisms. The main aim of this review was to summarize the recent data regarding the actual level of thallium content in environmental niches and to elucidate the most significant sources of thallium in the environment. The review also includes an overview of analytical methods, which are commonly applied for determination of thallium in fly ash originating from industrial combustion of coal, in surface and underground waters, in soils and sediments (including soil derived from different parent materials), in plant and animal tissues as well as in human organisms.

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.

Effect of Metals, Metalloids and Metallic Nanoparticles on Microalgae Growth and Industrial Product Biosynthesis: A Review

Microalgae are a source of numerous compounds that can be used in many branches of industry. Synthesis of such compounds in microalgal cells can be amplified under stress conditions. Exposure to various metals can be one of methods applied to induce cell stress and synthesis of target products in microalgae cultures. In this review, the potential of producing diverse biocompounds (pigments, lipids, exopolymers, peptides, phytohormones, arsenoorganics, nanoparticles) from microalgae cultures upon exposure to various metals, is evaluated. Additionally, different methods to alter microalgae response towards metals and metal stress are described. Finally, possibilities to sustain high growth rates and productivity of microalgal cultures in the presence of metals are discussed.

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.

Tracing anthropogenic thallium in soil using stable isotope compositions

Thallium stable isotope data are used in this study, for the first time, to apportion Tl contamination in soils. In the late 1970s, a cement plant near Lengerich, Germany, emitted cement kiln dust (CKD) with high Tl contents, due to cocombustion of Tl-enriched pyrite roasting waste. Locally contaminated soil profiles were obtained down to 1 m depth and the samples are in accord with a binary mixing relationship in a diagram of Tl isotope compositions (expressed as ε(205)Tl, the deviation of the (205)Tl/(203)Tl ratio of a sample from the NIST SRM 997 Tl isotope standard in parts per 10(4)) versus 1/[Tl]. The inferred mixing endmembers are the geogenic background, as defined by isotopically light soils at depth (ε(205)Tl ≈ -4), and the Tl emissions, which produce Tl-enriched topsoils with ε(205)Tl as high as ±0. The latter interpretation is supported by analyses of the CKD, which is also characterized by ε(205)Tl ≈ ± 0, and the same ε(205)Tl value was found for a pyrite from the deposit that produced the cocombusted pyrite roasting waste. Additional measurements for samples from a locality in China, with outcrops of Tl sulfide mineralization and associated high natural Tl backgrounds, reveal significant isotope fractionation between soils (ε(205)Tl ≈ +0.4) and locally grown green cabbage (ε(205)Tl between -2.5 and -5.4). This demonstrates that biological isotope fractionation cannot explain the isotopically heavy Tl in the Lengerich topsoils and the latter are therefore clearly due to anthropogenic Tl emissions from cement processing. Our results thus establish that isotopic data can reinforce receptor modeling for the toxic trace metal Tl.

Distributions and concentrations of thallium in surface waters of a region impacted by historical metal mining (Cornwall, UK)

Thallium is a highly toxic heavy metal whose concentrations and distributions in the aquatic environment are poorly defined. In this study, concentrations of aqueous and total Tl have been measured in water samples from a variety of rivers and effluents (the latter related to historical metal mining) in the county of Cornwall, SW England. Aqueous concentrations ranged from about 13 ng L(-1) in a river whose catchment contained no metal mines to 2,640 ng L(-1) in water abstracted directly from an abandoned mine shaft. Concentrations of Tl in rivers were greatest in the vicinity of mine-related effluents, with a maximum value measured of about 770 ng L(-1). Thallium was not efficiently removed by the conventional, active treatment of mine water, and displayed little interaction with suspended particles. Its mobility in surface waters, coupled with concentrations that are close to a quality guideline of 800 ng L(-1), is cause for concern. Accordingly, we recommend that the metal is more closely monitored in this and other regions impacted by mining activities.

An evaluation of the toxicity and bioaccumulation of thallium in the coastal marine environment using the macroalga, Ulva lactuca

Thallium(I) has been added to cultures of the marine macroalga, Ulva lactuca, for a period of 48 h and the accumulation of the metal and its effects on the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PS II) measured. Thallium elicited a measurable toxic response above concentrations of 10 μg L⁻¹ in both coastal seawater (salinity 33) and estuarine water (salinity 20). The accumulation of Tl was defined by a linear relationship with aqueous Tl and accumulation factors of about 900 mL g⁻¹ in both media. Thallium accumulated by U. lactuca that was resistant to an EDTA extraction and, by operational definition, internalised, exceeded 90% in both cases. Accumulation and toxicity of Tl in the presence of a ∼10⁵-fold excess of its biogeochemical analogue, potassium, suggests that Tl has a high intrinsic phytotoxicity and that its mode of action involves permeation of the cell membrane as Tl⁺ through NaCl-KCl co-transporter sites rather than (or in addition to) transport through K⁺ ion channels.

Reductive dissolution of Tl(I)-jarosite by Shewanella putrefaciens: providing new insights into Tl biogeochemistry

Thallium (Tl) is emerging as a metal of concern in countries such as China due to its release during the natural weathering of Tl-bearing ore deposits and mining activities. Despite the high toxicity of Tl, few studies have examined the reductive dissolution of Tl mineral phases by microbial populations. In this study we examined the dissolution of synthetic Tl(I)-jarosite, (H(3)O)(0.29)Tl(0.71)Fe(2.74)(SO(4))(2)(OH)(5.22)(H(2)O)(0.78), by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 using batch experiments under anaerobic circumneutral conditions. Fe(II) concentrations were measured over time and showed Fe(II) production (4.6 mM) in inoculated samples by 893 h not seen in mineral and dead cell controls. Release of aqueous Tl was enhanced in inoculated samples whereby maximum concentrations in inoculated and cell-free samples reached 3.2 and 2.1 mM, respectively, by termination of the experiment. Complementary batch Tl/S. putrefaciens sorption experiments were conducted under experimentally relevant pH (5 and 6.3) at a Tl concentration of 35 μM and did not show significant Tl accumulation by either live or dead cells. Therefore, in contrast to many metals such as Pb and Cd, S. putrefaciens does not represent a sink for Tl in the environment and Tl is readily released from Tl-jarosite during both abiotic and biotic dissolution.

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.