Lithium [Li, 3]

Lithium (Li), the lightest metal of the group 1 in the periodic table of elements, is widely and uniformly distributed throughout the Earth’s crust, within the range of 20–25 mg/kg. Lithium is used in organic synthesis, plastic production, ceramic and glass applications, special alloys, and batteries. Lithium is absorbed efficiently in the intestine and is excreted mainly in the urine. Lithium is extensively used in psychiatric medicine, for the prevention and treatment of manic-depressive disorders. Lithium is thought to stabilize serotonin transmission in the nervous system, in addition to influencing Na transportation. Lithium may act by altering the distribution of electrolytes within the brain. Lithium contents of soils in Spitsbergen, Norway, are within the range of 0.23–3.18 mg/kg. Mean Li content in organic surface soils of Norway is 0.64 mg/kg, and is lower than the mean value for all investigated soils.