Phase-dependent phytoavailability of thallium – A synthetic soil experiment

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 250-251; pp. 265 - 271
• Main Authors: VANEK, Aleš, MIHALJEVIC, Martin, GALUSKOVA, Ivana, CHRASTNY, Vladislav, KOMAREK, Michael, PENIZEK, Vít, ZADOROVA, Tereza, DRABEK, Ondřej
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier B.V 15.04.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Calcium Carbonate - chemistry; Dissolution; Exact sciences and technology; Ferric Compounds - chemistry; Minerals - chemistry; Phase; Plant; Plant Roots - drug effects; Plant Roots - metabolism; Pollution; Rhizosphere; Sinapis - drug effects; Sinapis - metabolism; Soil; Soil Pollutants - chemistry; Thallium - chemistry; Uptake; Rhizosphere; Plant; Phase; Dissolution; Uptake; Mobilization; Stability; Vegetation; Modeling
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.01.076

► A relationship between mineralogical position of Tl and plant uptake was proved. ► Soil enriched in Ksat-birnessite had the lowest potential for Tl release. ► High rate of biological uptake of Tl was observed for soil with Tl-modified illite. ► Root-induced dissolution of synthetic calcite and ferrihydrite was identified. The study deals with the environmental stability of Tl-modified phases (ferrihydrite, goethite, birnessite, calcite and illite) and phytoavailability of Tl in synthetically prepared soils used in a model vegetation experiment. The data presented here clearly demonstrate a strong relationship between the mineralogical position of Tl in the model soil and its uptake by the plant (Sinapis alba L.). The maximum rate of Tl uptake was observed for plants grown on soil containing Tl-modified illite. In contrast, soil enriched in Ksat-birnessite had the lowest potential for Tl release and phytoaccumulation. Root-induced dissolution of synthetic calcite and ferrihydrite in the rhizosphere followed by Tl mobilization was detected. Highly crystalline goethite was more stable in the rhizosphere, compared to ferrihydrite, leading to reduced biological uptake of Tl. Based on the results obtained, the mineralogical aspect must be taken into account prior to general environmental recommendations in areas affected by Tl.