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26 pages, 1014 KB  
Article
Research on Safety Resilience of Prefabricated Building Systems Based on Improved ISM-BN
by Wei Liu and Qing Ye
Buildings 2026, 16(12), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16122366 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
To reveal the influencing mechanism of safety resilience in prefabricated building systems (PBS), identify key risk nodes, and support targeted resilience enhancement, this study develops an improved ISM–BN analytical model. Based on 136 domestic safety accident cases involving prefabricated buildings (PB) from 2016 [...] Read more.
To reveal the influencing mechanism of safety resilience in prefabricated building systems (PBS), identify key risk nodes, and support targeted resilience enhancement, this study develops an improved ISM–BN analytical model. Based on 136 domestic safety accident cases involving prefabricated buildings (PB) from 2016 to 2025, and combined with bibliometric analysis, 13 causal factors were identified and an indicator system was established. Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) was introduced to improve the traditional Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) method, through which the causal factors were divided into four hierarchical levels and the hierarchical relationships among the factors and levels were clarified. Subsequently, the hierarchical structure derived from the improved ISM was mapped into a Bayesian Network (BN), and parameter learning was conducted using accident data. Through backward diagnosis and sensitivity analysis, five key risk nodes and two critical transmission paths were identified, based on which targeted improvement strategies were proposed. The results can provide methodological support and decision-making references for key risk control and resilience enhancement in PBS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Construction Management, and Computers & Digitization)
23 pages, 22420 KB  
Article
Hydrostaticity-Sensitive Structural Phase Transition and High-Pressure Phase Diagram in Fluorite: Evidence of Raman Spectroscopy and Electrical Conductivity
by Mingyu Wu, Lidong Dai, Haiying Hu, Wenqing Sun, Meiling Hong and Chuang Li
Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122078 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Abstract
Raman spectroscopic analysis of fluorite was conducted in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) over a pressure range of 0.5–20.5 GPa under different hydrostatic environments, whereas the electrical conductivity was measured at 298–873 K and 1.2–19.6 GPa. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations were [...] Read more.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of fluorite was conducted in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) over a pressure range of 0.5–20.5 GPa under different hydrostatic environments, whereas the electrical conductivity was measured at 298–873 K and 1.2–19.6 GPa. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations were performed on both the initial and recovered samples after recovery to ambient conditions. Three representative pressure-transmitting media (PTMs), including silicone oil, the mixture of methanol and ethanol (4:1 volume ratio, ME), and helium, were employed to control the degree of hydrostaticity within the DAC sample chamber. Experimental results indicate that the pressure-induced abrupt change in A1g, A3g, B1g and B2g Raman modes, together with the discontinuities in pressure-dependent Raman shifts, Grüneisen parameters, and electrical conductivity, can efficiently characterize the α (cubic structure, space group Fm3¯m, No 225)-to-γ (cotunnite structure, PbCl2-type, space group Pnma, No 62) phase transition in fluorite. The transition pressures are determined to be 10.4, 9.6, 8.9 and 7.5 GPa under conditions of no PTM, silicone oil, ME and helium, respectively, demonstrating that the structural phase transition of fluorite is highly sensitive to hydrostaticity. Raman spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurements upon decompression reveal that the phase transition is reversible, which is further confirmed by the HRTEM microstructural observation on both the initial and recovered samples. The linear relationships between electrical current and sinusoidal voltage, with the nonlinearity factors close to 1.00, manifest the Ohmic response of fluorite under high pressure. Finally, our high-temperature and high-pressure electrical conductivity results revealed the negative dependence of transition temperature on pressure, and the phase boundary between cubic and PbCl2-type fluorite was determined as: P (GPa) = 13.057 (±1.008) − 0.008 (±0.001) T (K). The obtained phase diagram of fluorite can be employed to deeply explore the high-pressure phase stability and structural transitions of other similar binary halide family minerals. Full article
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34 pages, 7618 KB  
Article
Characteristics of Lower Cretaceous Calcite Veins and Their Relationship with Hydrocarbon Dissipation and Uranium Mineralization in the Qianjiadian Uranium Mining Area, Songliao Basin
by Bailin Wu, Mengdi Yang, Xiaorui Zhang, Songlin Yang, Yu Sun, Liangliang Zhang, Yaxin Ma, Yu Hou, Guoquan Sun, Siyuan Wang, Yeerzati Dawulietbieke and Quan Liu
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060631 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Current research suggests that the uranium enrichment in the Qianjiadian deposit, southwestern Songliao Basin (China), is closely related to hydrocarbon dissipation and deep thermal fluids. However, previous investigations have not carried out systematic in-depth research on the abundant calcite veins hosted in diabase [...] Read more.
Current research suggests that the uranium enrichment in the Qianjiadian deposit, southwestern Songliao Basin (China), is closely related to hydrocarbon dissipation and deep thermal fluids. However, previous investigations have not carried out systematic in-depth research on the abundant calcite veins hosted in diabase within the ore district, especially regarding their types, genetic mechanisms, formation ages, and genetic links to uranium enrichment. In particular, whether their genesis is associated with the two critical ore-controlling factors (hydrocarbon dissipation and thermal fluid activities) remains poorly constrained and to be elucidated. Through analyses of major and trace element geochemistry, scanning electron microscopy, and fluid inclusion microthermometry on calcite veins within fractures of Lower Cretaceous diabase, this study confirms that the veins are products of epigenetic fluid infill with a medium-to-low temperature hydrothermal nature (115–215 °C). The direction of fluid migration was from north to south, consistent with the trend of hydrocarbon dissipation. In situ U-Pb dating yields Eocene (~42.9 Ma) and Pleistocene (1.57–2.82 Ma) ages for the calcite veins, which are highly consistent with the timing of diabase intrusion (early Eocene) and the main episodes of uranium mineralization (Eocene–Oligocene and Pleistocene). Carbon and oxygen isotope compositions and inclusion components indicate that the carbon source was mainly derived from dissipated hydrocarbons, rather than from sedimentary diagenesis or direct source rock generation. The C-O isotopic signatures reflect further carbon isotope fractionation following the interaction between dissipated hydrocarbons and groundwater, and the inclusion fluids, composed mainly of hydrocarbon gases and water, suggest that the carbon source for calcite vein formation was provided by dissipated hydrocarbons. The temporal coupling of hydrocarbon dissipation, calcite vein formation, uranium mineralization, and thermal input from diabase intrusion reflects the dynamic processes of basin evolution and tectonic reworking. The key dynamic backgrounds for this series of diagenetic and metallogenic events include Late Cretaceous tectonic inversion, Eocene–Oligocene tectonic uplift and erosion, and Pleistocene differential uplift and subsidence. The thermal effects from hydrocarbon dissipation and diabase intrusion were the primary factors driving the anomalous uranium enrichment that formed this super-large deposit. The formation of the calcite veins, along with their characteristics indicative of medium-to-low temperature hydrothermal activity and hydrocarbon dissipation, provides a critical window for understanding these processes and offers robust scientific evidence for this genetic model. This study, for the first time, systematically reveals that the calcite veins within the diabase of the Qianjiadian uranium mining area are of medium-to-low temperature hydrocarbon-bearing hydrothermal origin, and constrains their formation ages to the Eocene (~42.9 Ma) and Pleistocene (1.57–2.82 Ma), which are highly coupled with diabase intrusion and two episodes of uranium mineralization events. C-O isotopic and fluid inclusion evidence indicates that the formation of calcite veins directly records the process of hydrocarbon dissipation–groundwater mixing, providing a new mineralogical and geochronological evidence chain for thermal–hydrocarbon–uranium-coupled mineralization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology)
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36 pages, 8722 KB  
Article
Environmental Exposure and Bioaccumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Fishery Resources from the Romanian Black Sea and Implications for Seafood Safety
by Andra Oros, Mădălina Galațchi and George Țiganov
Environments 2026, 13(6), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13060336 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are persistent contaminants in coastal systems and may accumulate in marine organisms, with relevance for both environmental monitoring and seafood safety assessment. This study provides an exploratory cross-biota assessment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in fishery resources [...] Read more.
Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are persistent contaminants in coastal systems and may accumulate in marine organisms, with relevance for both environmental monitoring and seafood safety assessment. This study provides an exploratory cross-biota assessment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb in fishery resources from the Romanian Black Sea in 2024. The dataset included 24 composite samples and 120 analyte-level observations across bivalves, gastropods, pelagic fish, and demersal fish. Tissue concentrations were integrated with regulatory maximum levels, bioconcentration factors (BCF), biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAF), and adult dietary risk indices, including estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ). Within the limits of this single-year dataset, Cd and Pb concentrations were generally higher in bivalves than in fish and gastropods, whereas Cr showed higher values in several fish samples, particularly pelagic fish. Cd was the main element of concern, with regulatory exceedances occurring mainly in bivalves and fewer exceedances in pelagic fish, while Pb exceedance was isolated. BCF and BSAF supported the relevance of Cd as a priority element but were interpreted only as descriptive tissue–water and tissue–sediment ratios, not as evidence of specific uptake pathways. Low abiotic Cd concentrations may have inflated some ratio-based values, and Cr interpretation remains limited by the absence of Cr speciation and dissolved/particulate partitioning data. The adult dietary risk assessment did not indicate substantial non-carcinogenic concern, as all individual THQ values and cumulative TTHQ values remained below 1. Overall, the findings support continued PTE monitoring in the Romanian Black Sea, using sessile bivalves as indicators of local environmental contamination and including gastropods and representative pelagic and demersal fish species of ecological and fisheries relevance to capture contaminant patterns across benthic and mobile fishery resources. Future monitoring should improve species-level replication, integrate metal partitioning in abiotic matrices, and include additional contaminants of seafood safety relevance, particularly Hg and As. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Pollution Exposure and Its Human Health Risks)
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18 pages, 2129 KB  
Article
Source-Specific Accumulation, Translocation, and Health Risks of Potentially Toxic Elements in Paddy Fields from Different Anthropogenic Impact Zones in Hunan Province, China
by Ying Huang, Pengyue Yu, Ruimin Chang, Zhiyan Xie, Zhi Huang, Jianwei Peng, Yaocheng Deng and Zhaojun Li
Plants 2026, 15(12), 1818; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15121818 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination in rice poses significant food safety risks, particularly in regions with intensive agriculture, industry, and traffic. This study provides a systematic assessment of the accumulation, translocation, sources, and health risks of PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, [...] Read more.
Potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination in rice poses significant food safety risks, particularly in regions with intensive agriculture, industry, and traffic. This study provides a systematic assessment of the accumulation, translocation, sources, and health risks of PTEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in the atmospheric deposition–soil–rice system across four distinct anthropogenic source areas (industrial, peri-urban, rural, and roadside areas) in Hunan Province, China. The rural area was categorized as clean. Industrial areas had the highest soil pollution index, while roadside areas recorded the highest atmospheric deposition flux of Pb (19.95 μg/m2/day) and As (1.93 μg/m2/day). Correspondingly, industrial areas exhibited the highest Cd (0.38 mg/kg) and Pb (0.94 mg/kg) in rice grains, whereas roadside areas showed the highest Pb (1.40 mg/kg) and As (2.99 mg/kg) in leaves. The findings indicated that rice in roadside areas primarily accumulate PTEs through foliar absorption of atmospheric deposition, whereas in industrial and peri-urban areas it was primarily through root uptake and translocation of PTEs to rice grains, particularly for Cd and Pb. Source apportionment identified natural, industrial, and traffic as the three primary sources. The Bayesian mixing model revealed that the natural source contributed the highest proportion to rice grains (48.3–70.6%) across all four source areas. Except for natural sources, industrial sources dominated in industrial areas (29.1%), traffic emissions prevailed in roadside areas (19.4%), while mixed sources had the highest proportion in peri-urban areas (28.4%). Health risk assessment revealed that the total hazard index followed the order of peri-urban > industrial > roadside > rural areas, with rice ingestion being the dominant exposure pathway, accounting for over 90% of the total risk. The primary contributors to health risks were identified as As, Cd, and Pb, particularly in industrial and peri-urban areas. These findings provide a scientific basis for developing region-specific mitigation strategies tailored to the dominant contamination pathways in each area. Full article
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24 pages, 8182 KB  
Article
Geochronology, Geochemistry, and Tectonic Implications of the Early Devonian Mafic Intrusions in the Southern Margin of the North China Craton
by Kekun Li, Ruidong Yang, Yazhou Fan, Jianhan Huang and Pengyuan Chen
Geosciences 2026, 16(6), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16060233 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
The Heilongtai–Maogudui (HM) mafic intrusions are exposed in the southern margin of the North China Craton (SNCC), which are contemporaneous with a variety of strategic metal/non-metal minerals (niobium, uranium, and high-purity quartz) and magmatic hydrothermal REE deposits. New geochronology and geochemistry of these [...] Read more.
The Heilongtai–Maogudui (HM) mafic intrusions are exposed in the southern margin of the North China Craton (SNCC), which are contemporaneous with a variety of strategic metal/non-metal minerals (niobium, uranium, and high-purity quartz) and magmatic hydrothermal REE deposits. New geochronology and geochemistry of these intrusions are examined and interpreted to decipher their petrogenesis and tectonic settings. Zircon LA–ICP–MS data formed a concordant cluster, yielding a mean 206Pb/238U age of 397.5 ± 3.5 Ma, which is interpreted as an Early Devonian crystallization age. The HM mafic intrusions have similar whole-rock geochemical compositions, containing 48.94–51.51 wt% SiO2, 1.26–1.61 wt% TiO2, 5.96–7.13 wt% MgO, and 11.00–12.48 wt% FeOt. The total alkali contents range from 1.61 wt% to 3.53 wt%, with Mg# values of 47.23–52.30. The petrographic and geochemical results suggest the fractional crystallization of mainly olivine, clinopyroxene, and minor Fe–Ti oxide in the mafic intrusions. Being of tholeiitic composition, these mafic rocks display relatively flat rare earth element (REE) and trace element patterns, which are similar to those of the normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N–MORB) and the enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E–MORB). The HM mafic intrusions are proposed to originate in the continental extensional environment through 5–10% partial melting of the depleted spinel asthenosphere mantle source. This is attributed to the gravitational delamination of the lithospheric mantle and the upwelling of the hot asthenosphere, marking the end of the Paleozoic Proto–Tethyan orogenic cycle. The Paleozoic strategic mineral deposits are proposed to have formed under this specific tectonic regime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Geochemistry)
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22 pages, 4644 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Analysis and Physiological Indicators Synthetically Uncover Candidate Genes Regulating Polyembryony Formation of Phoebe bournei Seeds
by Guoxin Mei, Lulu Wan, Zeping Jian, Baiyou Chen, Xiaowen Li, Bao Liu, Jun Xiong, Shipin Chen and Haichao Hu
Biology 2026, 15(12), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15120919 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
Phoebe bournei is a precious timber species unique to China, possessing significant ornamental, ecological, and medicinal values. The polyembryonic phenomenon is widely observed in its seeds, but the underlying mechanisms driving its formation remain unclear. In this study, an integrated analysis was conducted [...] Read more.
Phoebe bournei is a precious timber species unique to China, possessing significant ornamental, ecological, and medicinal values. The polyembryonic phenomenon is widely observed in its seeds, but the underlying mechanisms driving its formation remain unclear. In this study, an integrated analysis was conducted for polyembryony formation in P. bournei seeds, including biochemical indicators, environmental factors, and transcriptional levels. Firstly, morphological observation of seeds from 13 plus trees showed no significant correlation between polyembryony rate and external environment or seed morphology. Subsequently, comparative transcriptomic analysis between monoembryonic and polyembryonic seeds identified 1957 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were significantly enriched in biological processes and pathways including photosystem II, tetrapyrrole binding, heme binding, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, indicating the probable effect of gene regulation in polyembryony formation. Furthermore, eight RWP transcription factors were identified, potentially involved in polyembryony. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of PbRWP2 and PbRWP5 were significantly upregulated in polyembryonic seeds, indicating they may be key regulatory genes during polyembryony formation in P. bournei seeds. This study preliminarily explored the transcriptomic characterization and potential molecular regulatory basis of polyembryony formation in P. bournei, laying a critical foundation for further deciphering the intricate mechanisms governing its polyembryonic development. Full article
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25 pages, 65469 KB  
Article
Multi-Scale Spectroscopy and In Situ X-Ray Fluorescence Data Applied to Geoenvironmental Models: Assessing Contamination at the Trimpancho Mining Site (Iberian Pyrite Belt)
by Marcelo Godinho Silva, José Roseiro, Diogo São Pedro, Douglas Santos, Pedro Nogueira, Joana Fonseca Araújo, Roberto da Silva, Ana Cláudia Teodoro, Mário Abel Gonçalves, Renato Henriques and Rita Fonseca
Sustainability 2026, 18(12), 6038; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18126038 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
In the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), long-term persistence of mine waste piles poses environmental challenges. The present work studies the Trimpancho Mining Complex in northern IPB with exposed mine waste and acidic waters in the proximity to the Chança River, a tributary of [...] Read more.
In the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), long-term persistence of mine waste piles poses environmental challenges. The present work studies the Trimpancho Mining Complex in northern IPB with exposed mine waste and acidic waters in the proximity to the Chança River, a tributary of the Guadiana international river. A multidisciplinary approach is proposed, using hyperspectral reflectance spectroscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), multispectral Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Sentinel-2 images. Spectroscopic, geochemical and remote sensing methods were applied to characterise the mining area. Comparison of hyperspectral data with spectral libraries were used to validate mineralogy. Multispectral UAV data is used for custom band-ratios and adapted to Sentinel-2 images. Results grouped the samples into four groups. Spectroscopy is indicative of clays (white mica and smectite group), hematite/goethite, jarosite, and arsenopyrite and pyrite (exclusive to the Group 2); iron-rich samples reach maximum reflectance earlier than iron-poor samples. Geochemical studies show an increase in content of heavy metal such as As, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn from Group 1 < Group 3 ≈ Group 4 < Group 2, but Group 4 showed elevated Pb and Zn. Custom false colour composition highlighted the groups in UAV and satellite, thus constituting cost-effective tools for finding contamination sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainability in Geographic Science)
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21 pages, 6240 KB  
Article
Selective Removal of Aluminum and Impurity Metals from End-of-Life Photovoltaic Panels Using Hydrochloric Acid Pretreatment: Optimization Through Response Surface Methodology
by Payam Ghorbanpour, Pietro Romano, Hossein Shalchian and Nicolò Maria Ippolito
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(12), 5940; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16125940 - 12 Jun 2026
Abstract
The rapid growth of photovoltaic panels installations has led to a dramatic increase in the end-of-life (EoL) panels, creating an urgent need for efficient recycling strategies. In the present study, a pretreatment system consisting of hydrochloric acid was developed to remove impurity metals [...] Read more.
The rapid growth of photovoltaic panels installations has led to a dramatic increase in the end-of-life (EoL) panels, creating an urgent need for efficient recycling strategies. In the present study, a pretreatment system consisting of hydrochloric acid was developed to remove impurity metals such as aluminum and iron from EoL PV panel powder prior to the precious metals leaching step. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the effects of main operational parameters, i.e., HCl concentration, leaching time, and solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio on the dissolution of Al, Fe, Pb, Sn, and Cu. Thermodynamic analysis with the help of HSC Chemistry® 10 software, confirmed the feasibility of dissolution of the Al, Fe, Pb, Sn, and Cu in chloride media. Experimental results demonstrated that the dissolution rate of Al and Fe under optimal conditions were 86.05 and 91.77 percent, respectively. In all of the tests, copper dissolution remained negligible (<4%), and no silver was detected which confirms the selectivity of the pretreatment. The optimized conditions (1.5 M HCl, 198 min, 20% S/L) enabled effective impurity removal while preserving silver in the solid residue. This study highlights the importance of selective pretreatment in enhancing downstream silver recovery and provides a practical approach for the hydrometallurgical recycling of end-of-life PV waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Resource Recovery and Utilization of Industrial Waste: 2nd Edition)
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37 pages, 41471 KB  
Article
PH/Ionic Pre-Conditioning-Assisted CO2 Mineralization of Cemented Tailings Backfill: Early Strength and Interfacial Mechanism
by Weiliang Pan, Duiming Guo, Hongtu Xu and Qixuan Huang
Processes 2026, 14(12), 1907; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14121907 - 11 Jun 2026
Abstract
Early-age strength development and carbon emissions represent specific operational constraints in underground cemented tailings backfill (CTB) operations. A pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO2 mineralization process was evaluated for carbonate-rich cemented tailings backfill designed to improve early UCS while retaining measurable CO2 [...] Read more.
Early-age strength development and carbon emissions represent specific operational constraints in underground cemented tailings backfill (CTB) operations. A pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO2 mineralization process was evaluated for carbonate-rich cemented tailings backfill designed to improve early UCS while retaining measurable CO2 uptake through systematic process control and optimization. Skarn-type tailings (CaO 16.74 wt%, total carbonates 34.7 wt%) were subjected to screening under nominal pH and ionic pre-conditioning treatments (4.0–11.5), CO2 pressure (0–0.5 MPa), cement-to-tailings ratio (1:3–1:12), and slurry concentration (66–78%). Strength evolution (1–28 d), mineralization products were characterized using TGA as the primary CO2-uptake method, with XRD used for semi-quantitative phase-trend assessment, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Under optimal conditions (pH 8.5, 0.3 MPa CO2 pressure, 48 h mineralization, 72–74% solids), mineralized specimens achieved 2-day uniaxial compressive strength equivalent to 1.47-times the 3-day control strength (p < 0.01), with peak net CO2 sequestration of 37.1 g/kg. EBSD analysis of 347 grain boundaries and TEM-SAED examination of multiple foil sections supported the occurrence of syntaxial calcite overgrowth on primary carbonate debris as a major interfacial transition zone strengthening mechanism. Interconnected pore cluster volume decreased by 70.6%; Zn2+ and Pb2+ leaching decreased by 67.2% and 71.8%, respectively. A shrinking-core kinetics-Ryshkewitch model with pH-dependent correction functions predicted 3-day strength with acceptable accuracy for TW-A and TW-B, whereas TW-C showed a −27.3% deviation, identifying acidic and sulfate-rich wastewater as a boundary condition outside the reliable model domain. Field coring at −500 m depth provided pilot-scale evidence that a 23 mm mineralized shell was consistent with localized reduction of shallow exposed-face instability risk during the early free-standing period. Overall, the pH and ionic pre-conditioning-assisted CO2 mineralization process is proposed as a laboratory-supported and field-informed screening framework for simultaneous early-strength enhancement and partial carbon sequestration in carbonate-rich cemented tailings systems. The resulting models and parameter guidance should be interpreted as preliminary design tools requiring further factorial optimization and long-term field validation before full site-specific deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemical Processes and Systems)
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24 pages, 2653 KB  
Systematic Review
Metals and Extremophilic Bacteria in Mining Environments: A Systematic Review
by Joseline Jiménez-Venegas, Leonardo Zamora-Leiva, Celián Román-Figueroa, Yasna Tapia and Manuel Paneque
Microorganisms 2026, 14(6), 1312; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14061312 - 11 Jun 2026
Abstract
Industrial activities have contributed substantially to the global economy but have also resulted in the release of hazardous substances into the environment. This systematic review aimed to identify extremophilic or extremotolerant bacteria capable of surviving high metal concentrations and actively remediating elevated levels [...] Read more.
Industrial activities have contributed substantially to the global economy but have also resulted in the release of hazardous substances into the environment. This systematic review aimed to identify extremophilic or extremotolerant bacteria capable of surviving high metal concentrations and actively remediating elevated levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a qualitative systematic review was conducted in the Web of Science and Scopus databases for studies published between 2000 and 2025 (last search: 5 January 2026). The synthesized dataset revealed distinct ecological and functional roles across different taxonomic levels. At the family level, Carnobacteriaceae, Cyclobacteriaceae, and Erythrobacteraceae were predominantly associated with high metal tolerance (“exposed” profiles) in alkaline environments. Conversely, at the genus level, Acidithiobacillus, Phenobacterium, Microbulbifer, and Roseobacter demonstrated high active remediation capacities in acidic settings through bioleaching, precipitation, or biosorption. Species such as Bacillus subtilis and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans exhibit a dual profile combining environmental tolerance and high bioremediation performance. These findings highlight methodologically heterogeneous studies, necessitating standardized experimental validation prior to large-scale technological deployment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Extreme Environments)
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29 pages, 5874 KB  
Article
A Minimally Invasive, Extracellular Vesicle-Based Approach for Monitoring Measurable Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Helena Branco, Joana Carreira, Inês Soure, Cristina P. R. Xavier, Andreia Rosário, Maria Amorim, Hugo Osório, José E. Guimarães, Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro, Manuel A. Sobrinho-Simões, Hugo R. Caires and M. Helena Vasconcelos
Cells 2026, 15(12), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15121068 - 11 Jun 2026
Abstract
Measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is monitored through detection of leukemia-associated phenotypic protein markers (LAPMs) in bone marrow aspirates, hindering disease real-time monitoring. We explored peripheral blood (PB), extracellular vesicle (EV)-based methods for MRD monitoring. To confirm that LAPMs [...] Read more.
Measurable residual disease (MRD) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is monitored through detection of leukemia-associated phenotypic protein markers (LAPMs) in bone marrow aspirates, hindering disease real-time monitoring. We explored peripheral blood (PB), extracellular vesicle (EV)-based methods for MRD monitoring. To confirm that LAPMs are present in AML-derived EVs, EVs were isolated from OCI-AML3 cells by differential centrifugation and characterized according to their size (nanoparticle tracking analysis), morphology (transmission electron microscopy) and protein cargo (proteomic analysis and Western blot). CD14 and CD33 were detected in OCI-AML3 cells and their released EVs. To select a method to isolate EVs from the PB of AML patients, three techniques were tested: size exclusion chromatography followed by ultrafiltration (SEC-UF), Total Exosome Isolation Kit (Invitrogen) and Exo-spin™ Exosome Purification Kit (Cell Guidance Systems). SEC-UF allowed EV isolation with higher purity and less aggregates than the other techniques. LAPMs were detected in those EVs, but their presence depended on the isolation method. Finally, EVs from seven AML patients’ plasma were isolated by SEC-UF. LAPMs were identified in paired samples at diagnosis and remission, with differential expression throughout disease evolution. This proof-of-concept study highlights the possibility of real-time MRD monitoring through LAPMs’ analysis in AML patient’s circulating EVs. Full article
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20 pages, 915 KB  
Article
Maternal Anemia and Pediatric Neurodevelopment in Children from Mothers Exposed to Mixed Heavy Metals in Suriname
by Anisma R. Gokoel, Arti Shankar, Simran F. Mokiem, Ashna D. Hindori-Mohangoo, Maureen Y. Lichtveld, Jeffrey K. Wickliffe and Wilco C. W. R. Zijlmans
J. Xenobiot. 2026, 16(3), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox16030110 - 11 Jun 2026
Abstract
Maternal anemia and prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals are widespread in low- and middle-income countries and may affect early childhood development. In Suriname, where mercury contamination from artisanal gold mining and social disparities coexist, we examined associations between maternal anemia, prenatal exposure to [...] Read more.
Maternal anemia and prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals are widespread in low- and middle-income countries and may affect early childhood development. In Suriname, where mercury contamination from artisanal gold mining and social disparities coexist, we examined associations between maternal anemia, prenatal exposure to mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and cadmium (Cd), and early neurodevelopment. The study included 755 pregnant women and 644 children (10–26 months) from the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health (CCREOH) cohort. Maternal anemia was defined using WHO criteria for Hb, metals were measured in maternal blood, and child development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III-NL). Analyses used non-parametric tests, correlations, and multivariable regression. Anemia, though common (34%), was not independently associated with cognitive, language, motor, or social–emotional outcomes. However, iron status was not directly measured; therefore, the absence of an observed association should not be interpreted as evidence that maternal iron deficiency is unrelated to early neurodevelopment. Pb showed the most consistent associations, with higher prenatal levels predicting poorer cognitive, motor, and language scores. Hg demonstrated weaker but significant negative associations with several domains, while Mn and Cd showed limited direct effects. Interaction analyses suggested a potential modifying role of Se in certain metal-neurodevelopment associations; however, these findings require confirmation in future studies. Overall, these results suggest that prenatal exposure to neurotoxic metals and sociodemographic disparities may be important contributors to variation in early neurodevelopment in this population, but causal inferences cannot be made from this cross-sectional analysis. Full article
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25 pages, 4962 KB  
Article
Spatial Distribution and Source Apportionment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils Across a Full Lead–Zinc Mining–Beneficiation–Smelting–Tailings System
by Yifei Shi, Chen Sun, Yongfang Zhou, Teng Teng, Weiwei Hu and Yi Wang
Land 2026, 15(6), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15061029 - 11 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Potentially toxic elements (PTE) pollution from lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) production poses significant ecological risks, requiring systematic assessment across the industrial chain. This study investigated soil, surface water, and sediments near a Pb–Zn mining area, integrating pollution indices (Igeo, NIPI, RI) with human [...] Read more.
Potentially toxic elements (PTE) pollution from lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) production poses significant ecological risks, requiring systematic assessment across the industrial chain. This study investigated soil, surface water, and sediments near a Pb–Zn mining area, integrating pollution indices (Igeo, NIPI, RI) with human health risk models. A spatial analysis framework was established by combining proportional symbol mapping and Thiessen polygons to analyze contamination patterns under small-sample conditions. Results showed a clear pollution hierarchy: smelting > beneficiation > tailings ≈ mining. Smelting and beneficiation zones exhibited multi-element pollution; Hazard Index (HI) exceedance probabilities reached 89% and 95%, respectively, while carcinogenic risk (CR) exceedance approached 100% across all zones. Cd was the dominant ecological risk factor, particularly in mining and tailings zones, where risk was mainly driven by a single element. Source apportionment identified two industrial groups—smelting-related (Pb, Hg, Zn, Se) and ore-associated (As, Cd, Cu, Sb)—whereas Cr, Ni, Co, and V were mainly derived from natural sources. These results indicate the need for coordinated management of beneficiation and smelting processes and provide a spatial analysis approach for small-sample assessment. Full article
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11 pages, 2038 KB  
Article
Ultra-Sensitive Electrochemical H2S Sensor Based on Au NP-Decorated 2D Porphyrin MOF Nanocomposite
by Bo Pan, Yang Liu, Furong Cao, Lei Li, Hao Liu, Yongyuan Li, Haibo Zhao, Yizhong Cao and Wushuang Bai
Micro 2026, 6(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro6020043 - 11 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a contaminant for water quality, which can affect the eyes, respiratory system, and central nervous system, and may also cause damage to multiple organs such as the heart. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of trace H2 [...] Read more.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a contaminant for water quality, which can affect the eyes, respiratory system, and central nervous system, and may also cause damage to multiple organs such as the heart. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of trace H2S is of great importance. In this work, a novel gold nanoparticle/2D porphyrin metal–organic framework nanocomposite (Au NPs/2D Cu-TCPP MOF) was prepared, and a novel electrochemical sensing method was established for the rapid determination of H2S by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). In 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.0), the detection limit of H2S is as low as 0.03 μM, the linear range is 0.1–10 μM, and the response time is about 7 s. In addition, this method exhibits good stability and reproducibility, which can be applied to the rapid detection of H2S in mine water samples. This study provides a reference for the development of new detection methods for H2S in various complex environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analysis Methods and Instruments)
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