Artem A. Glushak , Evgeny V. Tararushkin , Grigory S. Smirnov , Andrey G. Kalinichev
{"title":"Molecular dynamics simulation of hydrocalumite as adsorbent for anionic radionuclides","authors":"Artem A. Glushak , Evgeny V. Tararushkin , Grigory S. Smirnov , Andrey G. Kalinichev","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106089","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hydrocalumite, is a hydration product of aluminum-rich cements, and is known in cement chemistry as an AFm phase. Structurally, it belongs to the family of layered double hydroxides, or “anionic clays”, where positively charged crystal layers require the presence of negatively charged ions in the interlayer space. Therefore, AFm phases can serve as potential adsorbents for anionic radionuclides (e.g., <sup>35</sup>Cl<sup>−</sup>, <sup>125</sup>I<sup>−</sup>, <sup>129</sup>I<sup>−</sup>, <sup>131</sup>I<sup>−</sup>) from aqueous solutions. Here we use classical molecular dynamic simulations to analyze the structure and properties of AFm phases containing Cl<sup>−</sup> and I<sup>−</sup>. The classical ClayFF force field is used to quantitatively study the structure, energetics and mobility of anions and H<sub>2</sub>O molecules in the interlayers of these phases and at their interfaces with CsCl and CsI aqueous solutions. In this study we report that the basal (001) surfaces of AFm phases can strongly adsorb hydrated Cl<sup>−</sup> and I<sup>−</sup> anions due to the donated hydrogen bonds from the interfacial hydroxyls, but primarily due to their strong attraction to the structural Ca cations exposed at the surface. However, our simulations show that the adsorption of I<sup>−</sup> is weaker than that of Cl<sup>−</sup>, leading to the higher surface mobility of I<sup>−</sup> due to its stronger chaotropic effect. The interlayer diffusional mobility of the Cl<sup>−</sup> and I<sup>−</sup> anions in the AFm phases is also investigated by using the Eyring-Vineyard approach and is shown to be significantly lower than in larger nanopores. Hence, the most likely transport of such anionic radionuclides takes place through the nano- and micro-pores of hardened cement.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106089"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aline K. Thumm, Andrej Skerencak-Frech, Xavier Gaona, Marcus Altmaier, Horst Geckeis
{"title":"Uptake of Cm (III) and Eu (III) by C–S–H phases under saline conditions in presence of EDTA: A batch sorption and TRLFS study","authors":"Aline K. Thumm, Andrej Skerencak-Frech, Xavier Gaona, Marcus Altmaier, Horst Geckeis","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106087","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106087","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Eu (III) and Cm (III) uptake by calcium silicate hydrate phases (C–S–H) was investigated in presence of EDTA in NaCl and CaCl<sub>2</sub> solutions. Different experimental parameters, <em>i.e.,</em> ionic strength (0.1 m ≤ I<sub>'m</sub> ≤ 5.05 m), ligand concentration (10<sup>−5</sup> m ≤ [EDTA] ≤ 10<sup>−2</sup> m), calcium-to-silicon ratio (0.6 ≤ C/S ≤ 1.3) and sorption time (7 d ≤ <em>t</em> ≤ 365 d) were varied in the frame of batch sorption experiments and Time Resolved Laser Fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) measurements. No effect of EDTA on the retention of Eu(III)/Cm(III) by C–S–H phases in NaCl or CaCl<sub>2</sub> systems was observed at ligand concentrations ≤ 10<sup>−3</sup> M. In NaCl solutions with [EDTA] = 10<sup>−2</sup> M and C/S < 1.3, low retention (log R<sub>d</sub> = 2–3, with R<sub>d</sub> in L∙kg<sup>−1</sup>) of Eu(III) was detected after 7 d of sorption time, while strong retention (log R<sub>d</sub> = 5–6) was observed after 50 d. This behaviour was explained by the initial stabilization of Eu(III)/Cm(III) in the aqueous phase due to the formation of two aqueous Eu(III)/Cm(III)-(OH)<sub>n</sub>-EDTA complexes, followed by the slow incorporation of Eu(III)/Cm(III) into the C–S–H structure. In CaCl<sub>2</sub> solutions for all C/S ratios, as well as in NaCl solutions for C/S ∼ 1.3, the presence of [EDTA] = 10<sup>−2</sup> M led to a significant decrease of the uptake (log R<sub>d</sub> = 2–3) after 7 and 50 d of contact time. This effect was explained by the formation of stable aqueous Ca–Eu(III)/Cm(III)-EDTA complexes triggered by the presence of moderate to high Ca concentrations. No evident effect caused by increased ionic strength conditions could be confirmed in our sorption experiments.</p><p>Results obtained in batch sorption experiments are underpinned by TRLFS data, with the observation of three main aqueous species, tentatively defined as Cm(OH)(EDTA)<sup>2-</sup>, Cm(OH)<sub>x</sub> (EDTA)<sup>-(x+1)</sup> and Ca–Cm(III)-EDTA, as well as a fourth species corresponding to Cm(III) incorporated in the CaO-layer of the C–S–H phases. In spite of the thermodynamic stability of the CaEDTA<sup>2−</sup> complex, which reduces the concentration of free EDTA, the formation of ternary Ca–Eu(III)/Cm(III)-EDTA complexes is expected to result in a significant impact of EDTA on the uptake of <em>An</em> (III)/Ln (III) by cement at high ligand concentrations. The assumption that Ca outcompetes actinides for the complexation with EDTA in cementitious systems may need to be revisited under these conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106087"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883292724001926/pdfft?md5=e019708f1127eb049391ef2c44c53cf1&pid=1-s2.0-S0883292724001926-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141595923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christopher Rooney , Ryan Tappero , Sarah Nicholas , Qingyun Li
{"title":"Wellbore cement alteration and roles of CO2 and shale during underground hydrogen storage","authors":"Christopher Rooney , Ryan Tappero , Sarah Nicholas , Qingyun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106088","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106088","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To mitigate climate change and adopt renewable energy, energy storage is crucial and can be done in the form of hydrogen gas (H<sub>2</sub>). Subsurface geologic reservoirs are positioned to store H<sub>2</sub> on the largest scales for the longest terms of all potential options. However, H<sub>2</sub> injection may boost reactions that consume hydrogen, generate undesired gases, and alter pore structures of geomedia. To explore the extent of H<sub>2</sub>-associated biotic reactions at a near wellbore location, four experiments were conducted under underground storage conditions with wellbore cement cores and, in most instances, shale samples submerged in synthetic formation brine. Post-reaction gas, aqueous, and solid phase samples were analyzed using olfactory screening and, later, gas chromatography (GC-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and synchrotron micro-scale x-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF). Within a period of 16 weeks, hydrogen sulfide (H<sub>2</sub>S) was generated in systems containing both H<sub>2</sub> and shale. XRF mapping identified a zone enriched in iron(II) and reduced sulfur along the rim of cement cross sections that was largely associated with CO<sub>2</sub>-induced cement carbonation. Shale did not show noticeable alteration, but there is evidence it contributed to the initial inoculation of the system and provided nutrients for microbes via water-rock interactions. This study considers both rock formations and wellbore cement not previously evaluated concurrently. Findings support understanding and modeling of H<sub>2</sub>-associated biogeochemical reactions during underground hydrogen storage.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106088"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141541109","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Colin S. Walker , Randy C. Arthur , Sohtaro Anraku , Hiroshi Sasamoto , Morihiro Mihara
{"title":"Thermodynamic properties and revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers equations of state parameters of the hydrated and dehydrated monomeric silica species at t = 0.01–600oC, P = 1–3000 bars, ρH2O = 0.35–1.1 g cm−3, and Im = 0 m","authors":"Colin S. Walker , Randy C. Arthur , Sohtaro Anraku , Hiroshi Sasamoto , Morihiro Mihara","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106086","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106086","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The thermodynamic properties and revised Helgeson-Kirkham-Flowers equations of state (r-H-K-F EoS) parameters of the hydrated (Si(OH)<sub>4</sub>(aq), SiO(OH)<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup> and SiO<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub><sup>2−</sup>) and corresponding dehydrated (SiO<sub>2</sub>(aq), HSiO<sub>3</sub><sup>−</sup> and SiO<sub>3</sub><sup>2−</sup>) monomeric silica species are important to describe the pH, composition, temperature, and pressure dependence of formation/breakdown reactions of all silicon-bearing compounds globally. Experimental log<sub>10</sub> equilbrium constant, <em>K</em> values describing the formation reactions of these hydrated and dehydrated monomeric silica species were therefore compiled from the literature, extrapolated to zero ionic strength by specific ion interaction theory as required and used to derive their thermodynamic properties and r-H-K-F EoS parameters.</p><p>Consideration of all formation reactions in the same study provides a collective, internally consistent update to the thermodynamic properties and r-H-K-F EoS parameters of the monomeric silica species that are able to provide satisfactory matches to the available experimental log<sub>10</sub> <em>K</em> values at <em>t</em> = 0.01–600<sup>o</sup>C, <em>P</em> = 1–3000 bars, <em>ρ</em><sub>H2O</sub> = 0.35–1.1 g cm<sup>−3</sup>, and zero ionic strength. These temperature and pressure limits comfortably bracket <em>t</em> = 0.01–100<sup>o</sup>C and <em>P</em> = 1–270 bars relevant to the geological disposal of radioactive wastes at depths of up to 1 km.</p><p>Updates to the thermodynamic properties of silicon-bearing compounds in all of the available geochemical thermodynamic databases are necessary, especially if reaction properties are used or given. Internal consistency between the hydrated and dehydrated species means that the hydrated species alone can be used as entries in geochemical thermodynamic databases.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 106086"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142158407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dongya Zhu , Quanyou Liu , Jingbin Wang , Shoutao Peng , Donghua You , Juntao Zhang , Qian Ding , Chongyang Wu
{"title":"Differential fault-fluid alterations and reservoir properties in ultra-deep carbonates in the Tarim Basin, NW China","authors":"Dongya Zhu , Quanyou Liu , Jingbin Wang , Shoutao Peng , Donghua You , Juntao Zhang , Qian Ding , Chongyang Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106084","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106084","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The development of high-quality carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs in the ultra-deep (7000–10000 m) Lower Paleozoic strata of the Tarim Basin was substantially related to tectonic evolution, strike-slip faults, and diagenetic fluids. Detailed studies of the influences of tectonic evolution and strike-slip faults on the properties of diagenetic fluids and the development mechanisms of ultradeep carbonate reservoirs under the control of both faults and fluids are required to identify high quality reservoirs. In this study, end-member geochemical indicators of meteoric water, hydrothermal fluid, and formation fluid were constructed based on typical diagenetic mineral and geochemical data obtained from representative wells. Meteoric karst associated with strong tectonic uplift was the main diagenetic event along strike-slip faults in the Tahe area. The Shunbei area was generally affected by buried formation water, and locally by weak meteoric water or hydrothermal fluids. The Tazhong, Shunnan, and Gucheng areas were predominantly affected by strong hydrothermal fluids along strike-slip faults associated with strong volcanic activity, while some wells, such as TZ12, reveal the influence of thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). Differences in fault fluid types and properties resulted in differential development of ultra-deep carbonate reservoirs among the different areas. In the Tahe area, meteoric water alteration along faults formed karst fracture-cavity reservoirs. In the Shunbei area, fault-cavity carbonate reservoirs were formed by strong strike-slip faults, whereas fluid alteration was weak. Hydrothermal dissolution reservoir in the Tazhong area, hydrothermal silicification reservoir in the Shunnan area, and hydrothermal dolomitization reservoir in the Gucheng area are developed, respectively.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106084"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Ntarmouchant , E.M. Jeddi , M.R. Carvalho , T.M. Bento dos Santos , H. Smaili , B. Cotrim , P. Cachapuz , Y. Driouch , B. Mali , N. Ntarmouchant , M. Elabouyi , E.A. Ferreira da Silva
{"title":"Thermal springs associated with the Melilla-Fès-Smaala-Oulmès fault (Morocco): The role of fluid geochemistry in identifying a major active geodynamic structure","authors":"A. Ntarmouchant , E.M. Jeddi , M.R. Carvalho , T.M. Bento dos Santos , H. Smaili , B. Cotrim , P. Cachapuz , Y. Driouch , B. Mali , N. Ntarmouchant , M. Elabouyi , E.A. Ferreira da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106085","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The thermal springs form a hydrothermal system implanted on the active tectonic structure of the Melilla - Fès - Smaala - Oulmès fault (MFSO). This fault forms a multiple play tectonic corridor generally oriented NE-SW parallel to the Nekor fault. It crosses two structural domains, the Meseta, to the South, and the Rif, to the North, forming a highly complex deep shear zone. The thermal waters from these springs have chloride-sodium facies and sodium-calcium bicarbonate facies with emergence temperatures between 24.4 and 53.6 °C. Along this fault, the pH of these waters varies centrifugally, with acidic values in the South and North and neutral values in the intermediate sector. Important information about the origin of thermal waters and the characteristics of the reservoirs is provided by the chemical compositions (chemical elements, isotopes, and gases) of these waters involving rock-water-gas interaction during their circulation in depth and flow to the surface, through different types of reservoirs intersected by the fracture networks associated to the MFSO. These reservoirs correspond to the crystalline basement and its Triassic evaporitic clay, Jurassic carbonate, Cretaceous marl, and Miocene saliferous cover, whose temperatures have been estimated between 100 and 200 °C. The stable isotopic compositions (−8.39 to −5.2‰ for δ<sup>18</sup>O and −51.2 to 30.1‰ for δ<sup>2</sup>H) indicate a meteoric origin of these waters, whose recharge areas are located in the Rif and Atlas reliefs. The gas phase present in the waters shows δ<sup>13</sup>Cco<sub>2</sub> (−19.3 ‰ to −4,25 ‰) and <sup>3</sup>He/<sup>4</sup>He (0.203–3.864 Ra) with mantellic signature, implying that the fault is deeply rooted. The mantellic helium content decreases progressively in these waters from SE to NE, following the direction of the MFSO fault, from the emergencies in the Palaeozoic basement to the springs in the secondary and Tertiary formations of the Prerif and Mesorif. This decrease results probably from the mixing with gases derived from the thick secondary and Tertiary sedimentary cover. These waters would also collect these gases during their interactions with these sedimentary formations. Towards the NE, these waters, which rise within the formations of the Mediterranean arc, are also influenced by gases derived from the sediments of volcanic arcs.</p><p>The MFSO fault, which is permeable due to its fracture network, favours the diffusion of heat and the upwelling of mantle gases, which are collected by the fluids that will interact with the rocks during their circulation at depth and flow to the surface. Its hydraulic character, highlighted in the North by seismic tomographic sections, confirms the presence of fluids at a depth of 5 km. This hydraulic character is continuous towards the South, implying the intimate association of the springs studied with this active tectonic structure. The pressure generated by these fluids and the precipitation of sec","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106085"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
C.M. James Neurauter , Nivetha Srikanthan , Huan Tong , Mehran Behazin , Myrna J. Simpson
{"title":"Characterization of natural organic matter in Wyoming-type bentonites irradiated at varied moisture levels","authors":"C.M. James Neurauter , Nivetha Srikanthan , Huan Tong , Mehran Behazin , Myrna J. Simpson","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106083","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Wyoming-type bentonite clay (MX-80; Wyoming, USA) will be used in a deep geological repository (DGR) for the long-term storage of used nuclear fuel in Canada. The natural organic matter (NOM) found in bentonite may serve as a microbial nutrient source and potentially compromise the performance of the used fuel containers. Previous investigations indicate that NOM is present in low concentrations in MX-80 and has undergone extensive diagenetic alteration, though limited knowledge is available regarding NOM chemistry under simulated DGR conditions. Of particular concern is the possibility for gamma-radiation to alter NOM dissolution and reactivity due to the presence of reactive species generated by water radiolysis in Wyoming-type bentonites. In this study, NOM chemistry was investigated using complementary molecular-level techniques following exposure to a total gamma-radiation dose of 100 kGy (1.08 kGy/h for 93 h) at varied moisture levels (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) and room temperature. Treated samples exhibited relatively low total organic carbon concentrations (0.074–0.232%), with no evidence of any major changes in total, organic, and inorganic carbon concentrations. Solid-state <sup>13</sup>C NMR spectroscopy detected no changes in solid-phase NOM chemistry after irradiation. Solubilization of NOM increased significantly with radiation exposure at 80% moisture, suggesting higher levels of water saturation may enhance dissolved organic matter (DOM) production. Solution-state <sup>1</sup>H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and UV–Vis analyses did not identify any significant differences in DOM composition. More sensitive, targeted compound analysis revealed significant decreases in total <em>n</em>-alkanol concentration at lower moisture content levels (20% and 40%). Several individual compound concentrations also differed significantly at the nanogram-level, including <em>n</em>-octacosanol and several <em>n</em>-alkanoic acids at elevated moisture levels (60% and 80%). These findings suggest the majority of NOM in MX-80 remains chemically stable under the anticipated initial conditions of the proposed DGR.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106083"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Novel definition of local baseline values for potentially toxic elements in Czech farmland using adaptive spatial weighting","authors":"Jan Skála , Tomáš Matys Grygar , Alla Achasova","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106082","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Exploratory data analysis is commonly used in geoscientific research to identify various data populations within datasets. Frequently, the distribution-wise metrics for the statistical centre and spread are combined to define normal (background) ranges of topsoil contents of potentially toxic elements. When decreasing the geographical scale, the survey areas turn too heterogeneous for the statistical definition of a single background range. The traditional solution is the domain approach wherein various data populations (and their statistical parameters) can be attributed to contextual (geological, ecological) information. Nevertheless, summarising the entire data set from large areas as a single statistical entity would provide too much data reduction which would decrease sensitivity of detecting localised anthropogenic contamination and work wrong in areas of geogenic anomalies spatially larger than contamination. In this paper, we tested a novel numerical solution for deriving local distribution-wise baseline values via spatially limited sliding window combined with geographical weighting. Considering environmental variables (soil and topographical properties) at every analysed soil sample point, we extended the geographical kernel weighting approach which considers only spatial dimension (given by geographical coordinates). The advanced version combines two similarity modes to assign highest weights to the nearest points expected to share similar environmental contexts within the user-defined moving kernel. The method was implemented for data-mining in the Czech high-density monitoring data for agricultural soils which had to be firstly regressed to achieve analytical harmony between two distinct extraction methods employed in that monitoring, in particular cold diluted nitric acid and hot aqua regia. After the reliable harmonisation, local baseline values were delivered as the localised outer limits of variation using the proposed double-weighted kernel approach. We compared the estimated localised background ranges for 10 potentially toxic elements (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) with those based on the conventional substrate-wise domain approach and single nationwide legislation thresholds. The comparison was also efficient in identifying an inappropriate aggregation of some geological units. Finally, the kernel approach delivered regional outer limits of variability sensitive to subtle regional variations of topsoil geochemistry.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106082"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Dominique Richard , Silvain Rafini , Julien Walter
{"title":"Natural metal contents and influence of salinization in deep Canadian Shield groundwater: Base level versus mineral deposit enrichment halos","authors":"Dominique Richard , Silvain Rafini , Julien Walter","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106078","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106078","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Groundwater interacts with mineral deposits, making this secondary environment a medium of choice for geochemical exploration. With increasing depth, groundwater in Precambrian shields typically matures and increases in salinity through prolonged water–rock interactions and mixing with geologically old saline fluids. As the focus of mineral exploration is gradually shifting toward deeper targets, the influence of salinity on pathfinder background levels and anomalous thresholds must be considered. We compiled a deep background database (Deep Abitibi Groundwater database; DAGW) containing groundwater samples between depths of 0 m and 690 m from barren exploration boreholes in the Abitibi subprovince, Quebec, to evaluate the natural elemental levels at depth. The DAGW provides valuable knowledge of the base levels of a wide spectrum of elements and of the changes in these base levels along with the increasing salinity in bedrock aquifers of the deep Canadian Shield. This can serve to estimate background values during hydrogeochemical exploration campaigns. The regional Abitibi base level for Zn (median of 7.5 μg/L), a key pathfinder for VMS mineralization, is unaffected by the increasing salinity levels down to depths of 690 m. Hence, down to this depth, the Zn concentrations measured may be used directly for mineral exploration, and no further correction for the effects of salinization is necessary. We conducted a case study near an undisturbed VMS-type deposit (Daniel 25) and a Zn enrichment halo was observed. Within the halo, Zn concentrations increased with depth, indicating that Zn mobility was positively affected by the geochemical conditions of the deeper aquifer. Anomalous Zn thresholds representing the proximal (50–600 m from the mineralization) and direct contact (within 50 m of the mineralization) footprints of the Daniel 25 deposit were estimated at 50 μg/L and 380 μg/L, respectively. An anomalous threshold was also estimated for Co, a secondary pathfinder, at 0.5 μg/L. Unlike Zn, several other elements, which could be used to trace mineral deposits, are affected by salinization. As a final step, we applied a correction to the Daniel 25 data, based on elemental baseline trends observed in the DAGW. The aim was to remove the effects of salinity and enhance the statistical correlations caused by the presence of the mineralized body. This correction led to the emergence of new spatial correlations, notably with Na and Sr, that are coherent with the increasing hydrothermal alteration in proximity to the ore.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106078"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883292724001835/pdfft?md5=c5e305e20417e2d774ea6478dc61f026&pid=1-s2.0-S0883292724001835-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yuxuan Li , Fangfang Li , Jiawen Guo , Xinhua He , Xinxin Gao , Min Wu
{"title":"Preferential extraction of degraded organic matter and mineral protection of aromatic structures based on molecular marker analysis","authors":"Yuxuan Li , Fangfang Li , Jiawen Guo , Xinhua He , Xinxin Gao , Min Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106081","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The humic fractions were sequentially extracted from soils to study the heterogenous properties of soil organic matter (SOM). However, the bulk characteristics of these samples, such as elemental compositions and functional groups, could not fully reveal their diverse compositions. We sequentially extracted humic acids (HAs) from a sediment, and analyzed its molecular markers (benzene polycarboxylic acids (BPCAs), lignin-derived phenols, free lipids and bound lipids) to illustrate the diverse compositions of SOM. Our results suggested that the investigated HAs were derived from terrestrial C<sub>3</sub> plants as reflected by the range of their δ<sup>13</sup>C values (−27.08 ‰ in HA1 to −27.85 ‰ in HA6), more specifically, non-woody tissue of angiosperm and belowground part as suggested by lignin and lipid markers. With the increasing times of extraction, the relative abundances of lignin-derived phenols, free lipids, and bound lipids increased, while those of the condensed aromatics (as indicated by BPCAs) decreased. We also observed that with the increasing times of extraction, the carbon preference index (CPI) increased, the ratios of acids to aldehydes of vanilly units (Ad/Al)v and δ<sup>13</sup>C of HAs decreased, suggesting that the extensively degraded organic compositions were selectively extracted because of their favored dissolution. Our results emphasize that the complete extraction of organic compositions is essential to ensure reliable analysis on SOM properties and turnover. The distribution of individual BPCAs suggested that the highly condensed aromatics were preferentially extracted. These might be attributed to the less condensed aromatics were more strongly associated with mineral particles, which is important for the protection of aromatic carbons in the environment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 106081"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141429658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}