Abstract
The use of lithium (Li) has dramatically increased during the last two decades due to the proliferation of mobile electronic devices and the diversification of electric-powered vehicles. Lithium is also prescribed as a medication against bipolar disorder. While Li can exert a toxic effect on living organisms, few studies have investigated the impact of anthropogenic inputs on Li levels in the environment. Here we report Li concentrations and Li isotope compositions of river, waste and tap water, and industrial products from the metropolitan city of Seoul. Results show that the large increase in population density in Seoul is accompanied by a large enrichment in aqueous Li. Lithium isotopes evidence a major release from Li-rich materials. Water treatment protocols are also shown to be inefficient for Li. Our study therefore highlights the need for a global Li survey and adequate solutions for minimizing their impact on ecosystems and city dwellers.
Highlights
The use of lithium (Li) has dramatically increased during the last two decades due to the proliferation of mobile electronic devices and the diversification of electric-powered vehicles
Our study provides the first Li isotope data of industrial products, allowing us to explain the significant Li-enrichment measured in the wastewaters, as well as the high Li contents in the Han River and tap water collected in the highly populated agglomeration of Seoul
Compared to other rivers worldwide, the upper Han River (HR) (HR1 in Fig. 1) and its two major tributaries carry small amounts of dissolved Li ranging from 15.9 nM to 114 nM
Summary
The use of lithium (Li) has dramatically increased during the last two decades due to the proliferation of mobile electronic devices and the diversification of electric-powered vehicles. Our study provides the first Li isotope data of industrial products, allowing us to explain the significant Li-enrichment measured in the wastewaters, as well as the high Li contents in the Han River and tap water collected in the highly populated agglomeration of Seoul.
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