Thallium Associated with Manganese Ore Tailings in a Deactivated Mine in the Western Region of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Thallium (Tl) is a rare metal with toxic effects notably harmful to human health and the environment. In this article, the natural occurrence of Tl was evaluated in a deactivated manganese mine located in the Western region of Bahia, Brazil. The extraction procedure with aqua regia was used to dissolve the soil, sediment, and tailings samples. The Tl content was determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) and manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The Tl levels ranged from 0.64 to 473 mg kg‑1, triggering an alert since most of the samples (soil and sediment) analyzed presented Tl concentrations above 1.0 mg kg-1, recognized as the maximum limit recommended by environmental agencies in North America and Europe.