Gadolinium - Gd

Gadolinium (Gd)

Gadolinium is a silvery, malleable lanthanide metal. It oxidises in moist air and reacts with acids. Gadolinium compounds have important specialised uses, including as the basis of chelated agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Uses and applications

Gadolinium has a high capacity to absorb neutrons and is used in some specialised nuclear applications. Gadolinium-based chelates are used as MRI contrast agents. These chelated compounds are chemically distinct from elemental gadolinium and are designed for medical use.

Gadolinium in water and wastewater

Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents have been measured in wastewater and receiving waters. Their fate through treatment varies with the compound and process, so total gadolinium measurements alone may not describe chemical form or removal. Where relevant, monitoring should distinguish anthropogenic gadolinium signals from natural background and consider the treatment context.

Occurrence and environmental context

Gadolinium occurs in rare-earth minerals and is produced through mining and separation of mixed rare-earth materials. Environmental mobility depends on chemical form and water chemistry. Process-water management at mining and refining sites should be based on site-specific characterisation.

Health and safety

Risk depends strongly on chemical form and exposure route. MRI agents are chelated compounds administered under medical supervision; their properties should not be generalised to gadolinium metal or other salts. Follow the relevant safety data sheet and occupational controls when handling gadolinium compounds.

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