Thallium contamination in arable soils and vegetables around a steel plant—A newly-found significant source of Tl pollution in South China

Thallium (Tl) is a highly toxic rare element. Severe Tl poisoning can cause neurological brain damage or even death. The present study was designed to investigate contents of Tl and other associated heavy metals in arable soils and twelve common vegetables cultivated around a steel plant in South China, a newly-found initiator of Tl pollution. Potential health risks of these metals to exposed population via consumption of vegetables were examined by calculating hazard quotients (HQ). The soils showed a significant contamination with Tl at a mean concentration of 1.34 mg/kg. The Tl levels in most vegetables (such as leaf lettuce, chard and pak choy) surpassed the maximum permissible level (0.5 mg/kg) according to the environmental quality standards for food in Germany. Vegetables like leaf lettuce, chard, pak choy, romaine lettuce and Indian beans all exhibited bioconcentration factors (BCF) and transfer factors (TF) for Tl higher than 1, indicating a hyperaccumulation of Tl in these plants. Although the elevated Tl levels in the vegetables at present will not immediately pose significant non-carcinogenic health risks to residents, it highlights the necessity of a permanent monitoring of Tl contamination in the steel-making areas. - Highlights: • A steel plant in South China was a newly-found initiator of Tl pollution. • Thallium contents were investigated in arable soils and twelve common vegetables around the steel plant. • Thallium levels in most vegetables surpassed the maximum permissible level. • Some common vegetables like snow peas, chard and pak choi exhibited a hyperaccumulation of thallium. • A permanent monitoring of Tl contamination is highlighted in the steel-making areas likewise.