The contents, sources, and dispersal of Tl were investigated in surface sediments.
Widespread contamination of Tl was observed in the sediments across the rivers.
Elements like Tl, Pb, and Zn shared a common source of contamination.
Around 6–88% of Tl contamination was attributed to pyrite mining and roasting.
Pb isotopes are useful tracers for quantifying Tl contamination in sediments.