The impact of anthropogenic inputs on lithium content in river and tap water

Hye-Bin Choi, Jong-Sik Ryu (), Woo-Jin Shin and Nathalie Vigier
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Hye-Bin Choi: Division of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Korea Basic Science Institute
Jong-Sik Ryu: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Pukyong National University
Woo-Jin Shin: Division of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Korea Basic Science Institute
Nathalie Vigier: Oceanography Laboratory of Villefranche-sur-Mer (LOV), CNRS, Sorbonne University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13376-y

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