Hydrogeochemical processes of thallium in a rural area of Southwest Guizhou, China

Hydrogeochemical processes of thallium in a rural

area of Southwest Guizhou, China

佚名

【期刊名称】《中国地球化学学报（英文版）》 【年(卷),期】2007(026)001

【摘要】The water system in a rural area of Lanmuchang in Southwest Guizhou is facing a risk of thallium (Tl) contamination due to Tl mineralization around the area. The major trace elements and Tl in the water system are studied to understand the hydrogeochemical processes of Tl constrained by Tl mineralization. The results showed that the dispersion pattern of Tl follows a descending order in concentration from mine groundwater (deep groundwater)→stream water→shallow groundwater→background

water,

reflecting

the

impact

of

Tl

mineralization on the hydrogeochemical composition. Tl concentrations in stream water in both regimes are remarkably higher (2-30 fold) downstream than up- and mid-streams, probably caused by the unidentified discharge of deep groundwater. Low Tl levels are detected in the current drinking water, however, the highly elevated Tl in stream water and ground water may pose a potential environmental risk through daily washing and agricultural irrigation. This study suggests that human activities, such as agricultural irrigation, could intensify the environmental risk of Tl.