Spatial distribution and potential risk assessment of thallium in surface soils from urban area of Nanchang city

As a kind of highly toxic pollutant substance, thallium has received little attention. This study used the single factor index, potential ecological risk method, and health risk assessment to conduct a thorough risk evaluation and examine the distribution and content of thallium (Tl) in the surface soil of Nanchang's inner city area. The results show that: ①The average Tl concentration in Nanchang City's surface soil is 0.62 mg/kg, with a range of 0.11 to 0.92 mg/kg. This is greater than the average Tl level in China's surface soil but lower than the background value of Jiangxi Province's soil. ②The old town region on the eastern bank of the Gan River has somewhat higher Tl concentration than those in the western bank's surface soil. Soils closer to the Gan River exhibit significantly higher Tl concentration, which gradually decreases toward the east and the west. ③According to the risk assessment techniques adopted, there are typically few health and pollution problems associated with thallium in Nanchang's soil. However, places like Donghu District and Honggutan District have been linked to specific health hazards. As a result, it is imperative to improve the thallium pollution monitoring in these risky regions.