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Metal contamination in sediment of the Mianyuan River (one of the major upper reaches of the Yangtze River) in Longmenshan Region (China) was investigated in 2012. Means of metal concentrations in sediment (<74μm) were Cr: 59.93 ± 19.8% mg/kg; As: 7.21 ± 50.2% mg/kg; Se: 0.45 ± 66.3% mg/kg; Pb: 19.89 ± 29.3% mg/kg; Zn: 78.98 ± 31.9% mg/kg; Cd: 0.69 ± 28.3% mg/kg; Ba: 0.71 ± 34.0% g/kg; Mn: 0.55 ± 62.2% g/kg. This study suggested: (1) concentrations of Cd, As, Cr, and Pb in Mianyuan River sediment were lower than those of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River; (2) the increase of metals during the period from 2006 to 2009 was probably related to the destruction of tailings piles by the Wen Chun earthquake in 2008; (3) organic materials decided the distribution of Cd, Se, As, Ba, and Mn in the upstream sediment, while the iron and manganese minerals controlled the distribution of Ba, Cr, and Zn in the downstream sediment; (4) sources of Cd, Se, and As were geogenic, while sources of Cr, Zn, Ba, and Mn were anthropogenic; (5) the source of Pb in the upstream sediment was probably automobile exhaust, but that of Pb in the downstream sediment was geogenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisothermal dissolution method was employed to investigate thephase equilibrium at 308 K of the mixed aqueous system containinglithium, magnesium, sulfate, and borate. The solid phases of the invariantpoints were confirmed with the X-ray diffraction method. The stablephase diagram, the water content diagram, and the diagrams of thephysicochemical properties versus the composition of the solutionhave been constructed. The system contained two invariant points (notedas E1and E2), five univariant curves, and fourcrystallization fields corresponding to single salts epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O), hungchaoite (MgB4O7·9H2O), lithium sulfate monohydrate (Li2SO4·H2O), and lithium borate trihydrate(Li2B4O7·3H2O). Invariantpoints E1and E2are of commensurate invariantpoints. The crystallization fields decrease in the sequence MgB4O7·9H2O, Li2B4O7·3H2O, Li2SO4·H2O, and MgSO4·7H2O, which was contrarywith the solubility of the salts. Compared with the temperature at298 K, the crystallization area of salts MgB4O7·9H2O and Li2SO4·H2O enlarged, whereas that of salts Li2B4O7·3H2O and MgSO4·7H2O decreased at 308 K, which lead the change for property ofinvariant point, one invariant point change from incommensurate tocommensurate. The solubility of salt MgSO4increases withtemperature strongly; thus, its crystallization field decreases obviously,whereas the solubility of salt Li2SO4decreaseswith temperature and its crystallization field is enlarged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-environmental geochemical investigation was carried out in and around the Dexing mining area to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in the surface water, sediments, soils and plants. The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental situation and evaluate the transferring of heavy metals from mining activities into the food chain. Some samples of water, sediment, topsoil and plant were collected along the Lean River in the Dexing mining area. The total concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and As were determined by AAS, and Hg was analyzed by cold-vapor AAS. Some indices such as 'contamination degree', 'geo-accumulation index', and 'biological absorption coefficient' were used to assess eco-environmental quality. The investigation indicated a highly localized distribution pattern closely associated with the two pollution sources along the Le'an River bank: one is strong acidity and a large amount of Cu in the drainage from the Dexing Cu mining area; and the other is the high concentrations of Pb and Zn in the effluents released from many smelters and mining, processing and extracting activities in the riparian zone. Results from the investigated localities indicated, at least in part, that some problems associated with environmental quality deterioration should be solved in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyses of fluid inclusion leachates from ore deposits show that Na/Br ratios are within the range of 75 - 358 and Cl/Br 67 - 394, respectively, and this variation trend coincides with the seawater evaporation trajectory on the basis of the Na/Br and Cl/Br ratios. The average Cl/Br and Na/Br ratios of mineralising fluids are 185 and 173 respectively, which are very close to the ratios (120 and 233) of the residual evaporated seawater past the point of halite precipitation. It is suggested that the original mineralizing brine was derived from highly evaporated seawater with a high salinity. However, the inclusion fluid's have absolute Na values of 69.9-2606.2 mmol kg-1 and Cl values of 106.7 - 1995.5 mmol kg-1. Most of the values are much less than those of seawater; Na, 485 mmol kg-1 and Cl, 566 mmol kg-1, respectively; the salinity measured from fluid inclusions of the deposits ranges from 2.47 wt% to 15.78 wt% NaCl equiv. The mineralizing brine has been diluted. The δ18O and δD values of ore-forming fluids vary from -8.21‰ to 9.51‰ and from -40.3‰ to -94.3‰ respectively. The δD values of meteoric water in this region varied from -80‰ to - 100‰ during the Jurassic. This evidenced that the ore-forming fluids are the mixture of seawater and meteoric water. Highly evaporated seawater was responsible for leaching and extracting Pb, Zn and Fe, and mixed with and diluted by descending meteoric water, which resulted in the formation of ores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study on the kinetic modeling of diagenesis of Eogene Lacustrine sandstone reservoirs in the Jianghan Basin, Southeastern China. Diagenetic features identified in the sandstones; Simulation of the kinetics of fluid-mineral reactions and the concentrations of aqueous species; Result of the weak pore fluid during the early diagenetic stage; Cause of the precipitation of quartz, kaolinite and illite.

Presents a study that determined geochemical baseline models and assessed the contributions of trace elements from natural and anthropogenic sources in the Panzhihua mining area in China. Background on Panzhihua; Adoption of a normalization procedure to establish geochemical baselines; Analytical results and relevant parameters for trace metals in topsoil samples from the area.

Isolating relevant microorganisms is still a substantial challenge that limits the use of bacteria in the maintenance of human health. To confirm which media and which bacterial colony densities can enrich certain kinds of bacteria, we selected eight common media and used them to enrich the gut microorganisms on agar plates. Then, we calculated the numbers of bacterial colonies and collected the bacterial culture mixtures from each kind of medium. Using the Illumina HiSeq platform, we analyzed the composition and diversity of the culture-enriched gut bacterial community. Our data suggested that medium supplemented with blood could increase the diversity of the bacterial community. In addition, beef powder and peptone could significantly change the culture-enriched bacterial community. A moderate density (100–150 colony-forming units per plate) was optimal for obtaining the highest diversity on the agar. Similarly, membrane transport was significantly enriched in the moderate-density group, which indicated a more active metabolism in this density range. Overall, these results reveal the optimal culture conditions, including the densities of colonies and nutritional components for various gut bacteria, that provide a novel strategy for isolating bacteria in a way that is targeted and avoids blinded and repetitive work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete and accurate set of thermodynamic data for aqueous uranium species is necessary in order to determine the toxicity of uranium in water, to predict its fate in the environment and to design possible remediation strategies for polluted environments. Comparisons of the completeness and accuracy of the thermodynamic databases for aqueous uranyl complexes involving common inorganic anions (OH−, SO 4 2−, PO 4 3−, CO 3 2−, SO 4 2−, Cl−,F−, I−, Br−) and some organic ligands have been made between a number of publicly-available thermodynamic databases (MINTEQ, LLNL, WATEQ4F, ThermoChimie, NEA-TDB, and PSI/Nagra). The results indicates that: (1) stability constants for most aqueous inorganic uranium species in the ThermoChimie, NEA-TDB, and PSI/Nagra databases are broadly similar, but ThermoChimie includes a greater number of organic uranium species; (2) ThermoChimie and two other modern developing databases (NEA-TDB, and PSI/Nagra) are recommended for calculating uranium speciation in natural/polluted waters except for those containing high concentrations of inorganic phosphate; (3) the stability constant for U(OH) 4 from the LLNL database is much greater than the values found in the other databases (by four orders of magnitude) and needs to be replaced; (4) the MINTEQ, LLNL, and WATEQ4F databases need updating for many important uranium species including Ca 2 UO 2 (CO 3) 3 , UO 2 (H 2 AsO 4) 2 and all the organic uranium species, and (5) the MINTEQ database does not include U(IV)‑bromine, U(IV)‑iodine or U(IV)-nitrate complexes, while the other databases do not include U(IV)-phosphate complexes. A case study of the water chemistry in a phosphate mining region of China, including river water from close to a fertilizer plant, indicates that the calculated uranium speciation varies greatly between the different databases. In particular, the existence and stability of the UO 2 (HPO 4) 2 2− species needs confirmation and quantification including supporting spectroscopic measurements. Although the stability of the stronger bioavailable uranyl-phosphate complexes remains uncertain, the available thermodynamic data suggests that the proportion and toxicity of most uranyl-phosphate complexes will be negligible when the pH exceeds 8.5 and the inorganic phosphate concentration (as PO 4 3−) is <2 mg/L. • Stability constants of aqueous uranium species of six thermodynamic databases available were investigated and compared. • ThermoChimie and two other databases are recommended for most waters except those with high inorganic phosphate. • Most uranyl phosphate complexes are negligible when pH exceeds 8.5 for water with phosphate (as PO 4 3–) is ≤ 2 mg/l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporaneous mafic and intermediate dikes of a continental magmatic arc provide a window into the magma feeding system at depth. Here we integrate data on the elemental and Sr-Nd-Hf isotope geochemistry, petrology, mineralogy, and zircon geochronology of late Permian dikes in the East Kunlun Orogen, northern Tibetan Plateau, discuss the petrogenesis of the dikes, and reconstruct the nature and relationship of different magma reservoirs. The dikes are porphyritic diabases, lamprophyres and diorite porphyries that crystallized between 259 and 255 Ma, coeval with their host granodiorites. Geochemical and Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic data indicate the parental magma of the porphyritic diabases and lamprophyres was derived from enriched lithospheric mantle. This magma underplated the crust and underwent varying degrees of magma recharging, crustal assimilation, and fractional crystallization dominated by olivine, pyroxene, and hornblende. This evolved basaltic magmas ascended through the crust, undergoing further differentiation, and some magma entered mid-crustal reservoirs occupied by felsic crystal mushes, rejuvenating the mushes. The subsequent mixing of mafic and felsic materials formed the precursor magmas of the intermediate dikes. Our new data reveal that the magmas stagnated mainly in reservoirs at two levels, 26–32 and 9–18 km, based on hornblende barometry. The underplating, assimilation, and replenishment of basaltic magmas in the lower crust, and their eventual emplacement and differentiation in a mid-crustal reservoir, controlled the mineralogy and geochemistry of the mafic dikes, while the rejuvenation of crystal mushes, the mixing of mafic and felsic materials, and differentiation account for the compositional features of the diorite porphyries. This study shows that the trans-crustal magma feeding system, which controls the compositions of several dispersed but interconnected magma reservoirs, is the key to understanding the compositional diversity and igneous petrogenesis in continental arcs. • Intermediate-mafic dikes in the EKOB were coevally formed at ca. 259–255 Ma. • Magma reservoirs stagnated at two different depths were identified. • Multiple magma processes controlled the compositional diversity of dike swarms. • Mush rejuvenation and magma mixing played key role in magma feeding system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Neoproterozoic I- and A-type granites were identified in the Yili Block, CAOB. • Transition from syn-collision to post-collisional extension occurred at ca. 890 Ma. • Reworking controlled the early Neoproterozoic crustal evolution in the Yili Block. • The Precambrian evolution of the Yili Block is distinct from that of the Tarim Craton. The Yili Block in NW China and NE Kazakhstan is a continental fragment within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). We present a systematic study of whole-rock geochemistry, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions, and U–Pb geochronology of newly identified Neoproterozoic granitic plutons from the southern Yili Block to further constrain the Proterozoic evolution of microcontinents constituting the CAOB. Gneissic, augen, and mylonitized granites yield intrusion 206Pb/238U ages of 947 ± 4 Ma, 889 ± 5 Ma, and 892 ± 5 Ma, respectively. The gneissic granites display affinities to calc-alkaline, weakly peraluminous, magnesian I-type granites (Mg# = 33–34; FeOT/MgO = 3.49–3.59). The augen and mylonitized granites lie on the ferroan, calc-alkaline, highly fractionated A-type granite trend (Mg# = 11–21, FeOT/MgO = 6.52–14.58, SiO 2 > 74 wt%, 10000*Ga/Al = 2.80–3.26). The markedly enriched Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic compositions of the ca. 947 Ma magnesian I-type granites suggest a derivation from ca. 2.0 Ga MgO-rich basement rocks. The varied initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.716530–0.720543), chondrite-like εHf(t) values (−2.11 to 0.72), and differentiated incompatible elements of the ca. 890 Ma A-type granites suggest a derivation from partial melting of ca. 1.8 Ga crustal sources, followed by strong fractional crystallization. The Yili Block probably constituted part of an exterior orogen that developed along the margin of the Rodinia supercontinent during the early Neoproterozoic, undergoing a tectonic transition from syn-collisional to post-collisional extension at ca. 890 Ma. This study reveals that crustal reworking played a key role in Neoproterozoic crustal evolution in the Yili Block and that this block has a tectonic affinity to the Central Tianshan Block but is distinct from the Tarim Craton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Au elemental maps show a single Au event instead of multistage mineralization. • Two kinds of sulfur sources in pyrite have been identified. • The core of the zoned pyrite is synsedimentary, whereas the rim is magmatic pyrite. • Au mineralization is likely related to the late magmatic event in Yangshan. Abstract The Yangshan gold ore belt contains a series of sediment-hosted disseminated gold deposits in the southern subzone of the western Qinling orogen. The ore deposits formed in the Middle Devonian carbonaceous clastic-carbonate sequences that underwent strong deformation and low greenschist facies regional metamorphism. The shapes and distribution of the ore bodies are strictly confined by the E-W-trending Anchanghe-Guanyinba thrust fault zone. Pyrite and arsenopyrite are the major Au-carrying minerals. Microthermometric results show that the ore-forming fluids are CO 2 -rich aqueous solutions. The homogenization temperatures range from 221 to 303.5 °C, and salinities range from 2.0 to 7.2 wt% NaCl equiv. These characteristics are consistent with orogenic gold deposit. Noble gas isotopic measurement shows that 3He/4He ratios of pyrite and quartz grains inherited from the mineralized carbonaceous phyllite, ranging from 0.033 to 0.081 Ra, implying that the origins of ore fluids are restricted within the crustal regime. The 40Ar/36Ar ratios range from 434 to 863, indicating 34 to 68% crust-derived radiogenic 40Ar* in the ore fluids. Based on the backscattered electron (BSE) maps of pyrite, three generations (i.e. core, mantle, rim) are distinguished: pre-ore pyrite including framboidal pyrites and the cores of zoned pyrites both in the phyllite and plagiogranite dikes; ore stage pyrites including the middle zones of the three-zoned pyrites in the granitic dikes and the outer zones of the zoned pyrites in the phyllite; post-ore pyrites, i.e. the outermost rims of the zoned pyrites in the dikes. The arsenopyrite in the phyllite has similar texture to the pyrite, and is regarded as the peak of the mineralization due to its highest Au concentrations. High spatial resolution NanoSIMS multi-elemental maps of the pyrites reveal that (i) gold is distributed heterogeneously as lattice-bounded Au in the zoned pyrites with higher Au (As) in the middle zones and lower Au (As) in the inner and outermost zones. No nano-particles of native gold was identified in pyrite; (ii) gold mineralization occurred in a single event instead of multistage ore formation; (iii) gold precipitation event is followed by an overgrown zone with low Au and As concentrations. In situ sulfur isotopes of Au-bearing pyrite identified two types of sulfur sources: one is framboidal pyrite and the barren core of pyrite in the carbonaceous phyllite, which have very negative δ34S values (<−20%); the other is the Au-bearing overgrowth zone of pyrite both from the granitic dike and phyllite, which have higher δ34S values ranging from −7.3 to 1.3%. This result indicates that the barren pyrites have the sulfur isotopic feature of reduction of seawater sulfate, whereas the As-, Au-bearing pyrites are likely derived from a magmatic sulfur contaminated by a sedimentary sulfur. Combining Au concentrations with the corresponding δ34S values in the pyrites reveals that the zones with high Au have lower δ34S values (and vice versa). This coupling relation between Au and S isotope has been also identified in other orogenic and Carlin-type gold deposits. The oxidation of ore fluid is taken as the key for gold precipitation during formation of orogenic gold deposit. However, the oxidation of ore fluids accompanied by the escape of reduced gas (e.g. H 2 S) should result in high Au coupled with high δ34S. Therefore, we propose that the Yangshan gold deposit forms through partitioning aqueous vapor with high Au, As, and lower δ34S from a deep magma chamber under the ore field, which leads to overgrowth of the pre-existing pyrites. Based on the geological features, texture of pyrite, and sulfur isotopic characteristics, we suggested that the Yangshan gold deposits have the characteristics between Carlin-type and orogenic gold deposits. They are the product of the western Qinling orogeny during the Late Triassic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Results of this study indicated that contaminants in soils located in the hills upslope of the slag dump were coal and derivative products, and that these soils are isotopically distinct from downslope deltaic soils. • Contaminants in downslope soils were slag and derivative products from V processing. • The study also demonstrated the use of Pb isotopic tracers in low-to-moderate contaminant levels to predict potential sources, and also indicate that Pb is a viable surrogate to trace potential Cd contamination in a large vanadium titano-magnetite mine region. Concentrations of Pb and Cd in topsoil from 24 locations along the Baguan River near a smelting dump in west Panzhihua were measured using ICP-MS to examine the spatial distributions of these toxic heavy metals. Twenty-one profile samples, 7 from each of 3 locations down to 80 cm, were also analyzed to establish background levels and Pb - Cd correlations. Lead isotopic ratios in all 45 samples and potential sources of soil contamination were determined using MC-ICP-MS. Contamination levels of Pb and Cd in soils from both sides of the river ranged from low to moderate, and the concentrations of Pb and Cd exhibited highly correlated behavior. Results of an isotope-tracer technique determined the number of end-member contaminants and background compositions contributing to the compositions of topsoils. Results of a binary mixing model indicated that contaminants in upslope soils from relatively higher elevations were coal and derivative products, and that these soils are isotopically distinct from downslope soils. Contaminants in downslope soils were slag and derivative products from V processing. Results demonstrate the use of Pb isotopic tracers in low-to-moderate contaminant levels to predict potential sources and Pb is a viable surrogate to trace potential Cd contamination in Panzhihua region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three episodes of magmatism and mineralization occurred at 317–263, 262–235, and 233–202 Ma. • Subduction and collision-related felsic plutonism and volcanism as well as associated mineralization are well defined. • An improved Paleo-Tethyan tectonomagmatic model has been established for TSOB. The Truong Son orogenic belt (TSOB) is part of the eastern Tethyan mineral deposit domain, and preserves a near-complete record of Paleo-Tethyan orogeny-related magmatism and mineralization. By compiling and evaluating the data of plutonic and (sub)volcanic rocks and associated deposits on a regional scale, and combining with new data of typical igneous rocks and mineral deposits, we establish a unified Paleo-Tethyan evolutionary model to help understanding the metallogeny in the TSOB. The geochronological data reveal the felsic magmatism and associated mineralization occurred in Carboniferous–Triassic (ca. 317–202 Ma) with a magmatic lull at ca. 270–263 Ma. Before the lull, most igneous rocks are high-Mg#, sodic, metaluminous I-type granitoids (or volcanic equivalents) with depleted Hf isotopes, which were derived from a juvenile crustal source with significant mantle contribution. After the lull, the igneous rocks (ca. 262–235 Ma) consist of metaluminous I-type granitoids and abundant S-type granitoids with geochemical features of low-Mg#, potassic, peraluminous and enriched Hf isotopes, suggesting their derivation from ancient continental crust without obvious mantle contribution. This magmatic lull corresponds to the tectonic transition from subduction to initial collision, which reasonably accounts for the changing of petrogenetic types and magma sources of the associated igneous rocks in the TSOB. The slightly depleted Hf isotopes of the ca. 234–202 Ma rocks possibly suggest another episode of tectonic transition in Late Triassic. The distinct mineralization styles and S isotopes of ore deposits of each episode indicate that mineralization was related to the tectonic evolution and magmatism in each stage. Here, we propose an evolutionary model for the Paleo-Tethys orogeny in the TSOB, as follows: (1) low-angle subduction beneath the TSOB during Late Carboniferous-Late Permian, favored the formation of juvenile crust-derived adakitic rocks and high-Mg# I-type felsic rocks as well as associated porphyry Cu ± Au, skarn Fe ± Cu ± Au and epithermal Au–Ag mineralization; (2) subsequent collision during Late Permian-Middle Triassic not only accounted for the generation of Precambrian crust-derived I-type granitoids and intrusion-related Au ± Ag deposits, but also resulted in the formation of low-Mg# S-type rocks, minor volcanic rocks and associated porphyry and/or skarn Sn ± Zn ± Pb deposits; (3) possible post-collisional extension during Late Triassic may be favorable for the formation of metaluminous, high-K (±high Mg#) I-type granitoids and volcanic rocks, and Carlin Au, porphyry and/or skarn mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotope technology is an ideal tool for tracing the sources of certain pollutants or providing insights into environmental processes. In recent years, the advent of multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has enabled the precise measurement of various metal stable isotopes. Due to the presence of "fingerprint" properties in various environmental samples, metal stable isotopes have been applied to distinguish the source of contaminants effectively and further understand the corresponding environmental processes. The environmental fate of metal elements is strongly controlled by adsorption, an essential process for the distribution of elements between the dissolved and particulate phases. The adsorption of metal elements on mineral and organic surfaces significantly affects their biogeochemical cycles in the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate the fractionation characteristics of stable metal isotopes during the adsorption process. In this review, three typical transitional metal elements were selected, considering Mo as the representative of anionic species and Fe and Zn as the representative of cationic species. For Mo, the heavier Mo isotope is preferentially adsorbed in the solution phase, pH has a more significant influence on isotope fractionation, and temperature and ionic strength are relatively insensitive. Differences in coordination environments between dissolved and adsorbed Mo during adsorption, i.e., attachment mode (inner- or outer-sphere) or molecular symmetry (e.g., coordination number and magnitude of distortion), are likely responsible for isotopic fractionation. For Fe, The study of equilibrium/kinetic Fe isotopic fractionation in aqueous Fe(II)-mineral is not simple. The interaction between aqueous Fe(II) and Fe (hydroxyl) oxides is complex and dynamic. The isotope effect is due to coupled electron and atom exchange between adsorbed Fe(II), aqueous Fe(II), and reactive Fe(III) on the surface of Fe (hydroxyl) oxide. For Zn, the heavier Fe isotope preferentially adsorbs on the solid phase, and pH and ionic strength are essential influencing factors. The difference in coordination environment may be the cause of isotope fractionation., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Urban activity emissions have important ecological significance to bacterial communities' spatial and temporal distribution and the mechanism of bacterial community construction. The mechanism of bacterial community construction is the key to community structure and lifestyle, and the influence of this aspect has not been thoroughly studied. This study analyzed the response of bacteria in water and sediment in different seasons to urban activities in Jinsha River. The results showed that the influence of urban activities on bacterial community structure in sediment was greater than that in water. The input of pollution in different regions changed the diversity and abundance of water and sediments bacteria and promoted bacterial community reconstruction to a certain extent. Co-network analysis found that many metal-mediated species are core species within the same module and can be used to mitigate pollution caused by metal or organic pollutants due to interspecific solid interactions. Different potential pollution sources around urban rivers affect the metabolic function of bacteria in aquatic ecosystems and promote the detoxification function of bacteria in different media. The results of this study supplement our understanding of the characteristics of microbial communities in urban river systems and provide clues for understanding the maintenance mechanism of microbial diversity in multi-pollution environments., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study, the core carcinogenic elements in Xuanwei Formation coal were identified. Thirty-one samples were collected based on the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of lung cancer; Si, V, Cr, Co, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Pb, and rare earth elements and yttrium (REYs) were analyzed and compared; multivariate statistical analyses (CA, PCA, and FDA) were performed; and comprehensive identification was carried out by combining multivariate statistical analyses with toxicology and mineralogy. The final results indicated that (1) the high-concentration Si, Ni, V, Cr, Co, and Cd in coal may have some potential carcinogenic risk. (2) The concentrations of Cr, Ni, As, Mo, Cd, and Pb meet the zoning characteristics of the ASMR, while the Si concentration is not completely consistent. (3) The REY distribution pattern in Longtan Formation coal is lower than that in Xuanwei Formation coal, indicating that the materials of these elements in coal are different. (5) The heatmap divides the sampling sites into two clusters and subtypes in accordance with carcinogenic zoning based on the ASMR. (6) PC1, PC2, and PC3 explain 62.629% of the total variance, identifying Co, Ni, As, Cd, Mo, Cr, and V. (7) Fisher discriminant analysis identifies Ni, Si, Cd, As, and Co based on the discriminant function. (8) Comprehensive identification reveals that Ni is the primary carcinogenic element, followed by Co, Cd, and Si in combination with toxicology. (9) The paragenesis of Si (nanoquartz), Ni, Co, and Cd is an interesting finding. In other words, carcinogenic elements Ni, Co, Cd, and Si and their paragenetic properties should receive more attention., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The study on the origin of quartz and silica in Xuanwei Formation coal in Northwest Yunnan, China, is helpful to understand the relationship between quartz and silica and the high incidence of lung cancer from the root. To address these questions, the mineralogy and microscopic studies of silica in Xuanwei Formation coal were performed. The following results were obtained: (1) silica in the late Permian Xuanwei Formation coal seams originated from detrital input, early diagenesis, and late diagenesis. (2) A more significant contribution comes from early diagenesis, which contains abundant authigenic quartz and amorphous silica. (3) Quartz and silica from inorganic silicon are more symbiotic with kaolinite and from biogenic silicon with chamosite. (4) Three silica polymorphs in coal samples have been identified: opal-A (amorphous silica), opal-CT/-C (cristobalite/tridymite), and α quartz. (5) Opal-A is ubiquitous, while opal-CT/-C and α quartz are rare. (5) Opal-A is an amorphous and nontoxic ordinary silica. (6) Since the toxicity of amorphous silica and its presence in coal is an emerging topic, it should be continuously monitored., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Metal mineral mining results in releases of large amounts of heavy metals into the environment, and it is necessary to better understand the response of rhizosphere microbial communities to simultaneous stress from multiple heavy metals (HMs), which directly impacts plant growth and human health. In this study, by adding different concentrations of cadmium (Cd) to a soil with high background concentrations of vanadium (V) and chromium (Cr), the growth of maize during the jointing stage was explored under limiting conditions. High-throughput sequencing was used to explore the response and survival strategies of rhizosphere soil microbial communities to complex HM stress. The results showed that complex HMs inhibited the growth of maize at the jointing stage, and the diversity and abundance of maize rhizosphere soil microorganisms were significantly different at different metal enrichment levels. In addition, according to the different stress levels, the maize rhizosphere attracted many tolerant colonizing bacteria, and cooccurrence network analysis showed that these bacteria interacted very closely. The effects of residual heavy metals on beneficial microorganisms (such as Xanthomonas, Sphingomonas, and lysozyme) were significantly stronger than those of bioavailable metals and soil physical and chemical properties. PICRUSt analysis revealed that the different forms of V and Cd had significantly greater effects on microbial metabolic pathways than all forms of Cr. Cr mainly affected the two major metabolic pathways: microbial cell growth and division and environmental information transmission. In addition, significant differences in rhizosphere microbial metabolism under different concentrations were found, and this can serve as a reference for subsequent metagenomic analysis. This study is helpful for exploring the threshold for the growth of crops in toxic HM soils in mining areas and achieving further biological remediation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Haze pollution has been a public health issue. The skin microbiota, as a component of the first line of defense, is disturbed by environmental pollutants, which may have an impact on human health. A total of 74 skin samples from healthy students were collected during haze and nonhaze days in spring and winter. Significant differences of skin fungal community composition between haze and nonhaze days were observed in female and male samples in spring and male samples in winter based on unweighted UniFrac distance analysis. Phylogenetic diversity whole-tree indices and observed features were significantly increased during haze days in male samples in winter compared to nonhaze days, but no significant difference was observed in other groups. Dothideomycetes, Capnodiales, Mycosphaerellaceae, etc. were significantly enriched during nonhaze days, whereas Trichocomaceae, Talaromyces , and Pezizaceae were significantly enriched during haze days. Thus, five Talaromyces strains were isolated, and an in vitro culture experiment revealed that the growth of representative Talaromyces strains was increased at high concentrations of particulate matter, confirming the sequencing results. Furthermore, during haze days, the fungal community assembly was better fitted to a niche-based assembly model than during nonhaze days. Talaromyces enriched during haze days deviated from the neutral assembly process. Our findings provided a comprehensive characterization of the skin fungal community during haze and nonhaze days and elucidated novel insights into how haze exposure influences the skin fungal community. IMPORTANCE Skin fungi play an important role in human health. Particulate matter (PM), the main haze pollutant, has been a public environmental threat. However, few studies have assessed the effects of air pollutants on skin fungi. Here, haze exposure influenced the diversity and composition of the skin fungal community. In an in vitro experiment, a high concentration of PM promoted the growth of Talaromyces strains. The fungal community assembly is better fitted to a niche-based assembly model during haze days. We anticipate that this study may provide new insights on the role of haze exposure disturbing the skin fungal community. It lays the groundwork for further clarifying the association between the changes of the skin fungal community and adverse health outcomes. Our study is the first to report the changes in the skin fungal community during haze and nonhaze days, which expands the understanding of the relationship between haze and skin fungi., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

We attempt to understand the pollution characteristics and carcinogenic risk of toxic elements around Hutou Village, Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province, China. For this propose, 48 road dust samples were collected systematically, and the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Co, and Cr(IV) were analyzed and compared; the spatial distribution was obtained. The I geo and EF indices and multivariate statistical analysis (CA, PCA, HACA) were carried out for source investigation, and human health risk assessment was also adopted to evaluate local non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The result showed that Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd and Co contaminations were quite serious; Zn, As, Cd, and Pb had similar distribution pattern, and Cr and Ni also shared similar distribution characteristics; Cd, Pb, Zn, and As ascribed to anthropogenic sources, while Cr and Ni originated from either anthropogenic activity or natural sources; Co and Cu originated from natural sources; the non-carcinogenic risk of Co cannot be ignored. The carcinogenic risk of Ni was considered unacceptable. Finally, an indoor coal-burning pattern was established that the high Cd and Ni inhalation and ingestion model was associated with lung cancer.

Chengdu, a megacity in southwestern China, experiences severe air pollution; however, knowledge of the seasonal variation in mass concentration, extent of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) contamination, and sources caused by heavy metals remains lacking. This study adopted a weighting method to calculate the daily mass concentration of PM 1 and used ICP-MS to determine PHE concentrations. Results indicated that PM 1 mass concentration was in the range 5.44-105.91 μg/m 3 . Seasonal PM 1 mass concentration could be arranged in the following order: winter > fall > spring > summer. The concentrations of PHEs in the PM 1 sample mostly showed the same seasonal variation characteristics as mass concentration. The average concentration of each PHE decreased as follows: Cu (107.44) > Zn (81.52) > Pb (22.04) > As (8.17) > Sb (1.91) > Ni (1.87) > Cr(VI) (0.84) > Cd (0.40) > Tl (0.33) (ng/m 3 ). Enrichment factor values varied markedly from mild to anomalous enrichment. Principal component analysis revealed mainly derived from the fossil fuel combustion (55.215%).

This paper systematically studied the mass concentration levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 and obtained the morphological characteristics and components of the particles through scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and discussed the sources of the particles. Meanwhile, the health risk was evaluated according to the mass concentration of particulate matter. The results showed that the average annual PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the eastern part of Chengdu were 101.99 μg/m 3 and 168.89 μg/m 3 , respectively, exceeding the national second-level average annual air quality standard (GB3095-2012). Both of them were the highest in winter and the lowest in summer and had a significant positive correlation. The atmospheric particles in the study area were mainly composed of fly ash particles, soot aggregates, mineral particles (sulfate mineral particles, carbonate mineral particles, etc.), which mainly came from coal burning, dust, automobile exhaust and secondary products. The results of the health risk assessment showed that the mass concentration of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the atmosphere of the eastern part of Chengdu exceeded the IT-1 target. The average annual air quality index was 185.84, and the air quality index was level 4, classified as medium pollution. PM 10 and PM 2.5 were both excessive pollutants, and PM 10 was the primary pollutant. Relevant measures should be taken to control particulate matter sources to some extent.