Multi-compartment assessment of thallium in a typical agricultural watershed in China: Occurrence, criteria derivation, and risk characterization

Key Points

• Thallium levels showed significant variability across the watershed, indicating potential environmental impact.
• The study identified specific criteria for thallium safety and derived risk metrics to evaluate exposure.
• Assessment from multiple compartments, including soil and water samples, provided a comprehensive view of contamination.
• Findings suggest that thallium poses a risk to ecological health; further monitoring is essential.