Tellurium biogeochemical transformations in a semi-arid environment

Our study seeks to understand the biogeochemical transformations of understudied element tellurium, one of the rarest elements in the crust, with an abundance comparable to that of gold (approx. 1 part per billion). Tellurium is described as a Critical Metal due to its importance in the pursuit of cleaner energy sources, coupled with potential supply risks.We aim to provide a description of the biogeochemical processes controlling the environmental dispersion of tellurium (and associated element gold). Tellurium is toxic to life in soluble forms, but the controls on its environmental mobility are poorly understood. Through our study of the regolith environment surrounding a highly tellurium enriched mining site in the semi arid Moctezuma district, Mexico, we describe and discuss the evidence for tellurium biogeochemical transformation and cycling in the environment.