Search Results (658)

The Hailijin uranium (U) deposit is one of the super-large U-deposits recently discovered in the Qianjiadian ore field, southwestern Songliao Basin. The ore bodies are mainly hosted in the lower member sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation and occur as multilayered tabular bodies. The nature and source of the ore-forming fluids remain unclear, limiting the understanding of the genetic type of the deposit. This study integrated drill-core observation, mineralogy, whole-rock geochemistry, in situ pyrite trace elements and sulfur isotopes, fluid-inclusion, and Raman spectroscopy to constrain ore-forming fluids. The host sandstones experienced hematitization, limonitization, carbonate cementation, clay alteration, sulfidation and bleaching. Pitchblende and coffinite occur as submicron grains in dissolution pores of quartz and feldspar, on clay-mineral surfaces and within mobile organic matter (OM), commonly associated with pyrite and sphalerite. The ores and gray mineralized sandstones are enriched in U, Mo, Re, Co, Ni, Zn and Pb, and syn-ore pyrite shows positive correlations between U and As, Mo, Cu, Zn, Se and Sb. Mineralization-related fluid-inclusion assemblages occur mainly in syn-ore dolomite/ankerite cements and in secondary trails along microfractures in detrital quartz; they yield homogenization temperatures of 130–190 °C and salinities of 3–8 wt.% NaCl eq., higher than the normal burial temperature of the basin (80–90 °C), especially meteoric fluid. Raman and gas-chromatographic analyses indicate carbonaceous matter, CH₄, CO₂, H₂ and minor O₂. Pyrite δ³⁴S values of −49.24‰ to −23.1‰ indicate isotopically light reduced sulfur ultimately related to microbial sulfate reduction and/or thermal decomposition of sulfur-bearing OM, whereas thermochemical sulfate reduction was unlikely to be dominant. Therefore, the ore-forming fluid is interpreted as a low-temperature, low-salinity organic-rich fluid, most likely derived from U-enriched source rocks at depth, and the uranium mineralization is closely associated with the exudation of such deep-derived organic fluids. Full article

This study evaluated natural halloysite from the Dunino deposit as a sorbent for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Cr³⁺ ions from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of solution pH, initial metal concentration, contact time, and multicomponent conditions. Equilibrium data were evaluated using the Langmuir and Freundlich models, whereas adsorption kinetics were analyzed using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Weber–Morris intraparticle diffusion models. Metal uptake increased markedly between pH 3 and 5, while changes between pH 5 and 7 were smaller. Nonlinear Langmuir fitting yielded maximum adsorption capacities ranging from 47.68 to 63.87 mg g⁻¹, with the highest values obtained for Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺. The pseudo-first-order model provided a closer empirical description of the kinetic data than the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption profiles approached a plateau after approximately 480–720 min. SEM, FTIR, and nitrogen adsorption measurements revealed changes in surface morphology, the chemical environment of surface functional groups, and nitrogen-accessible surface area after metal loading. These observations are consistent with the involvement of surface sites but do not identify a unique molecular adsorption mechanism. Acidic desorption using 0.1 M HCl released 75.0–92.5% of the retained metals, compared with 25.0–47.5% under alkaline conditions. The results support further evaluation of natural halloysite as a mineral sorbent, including matched competition experiments and repeated adsorption–desorption cycles. Full article

Coastal wetlands are important sinks for heavy metals, yet the linkage between vertical redistribution, quantitative source contributions, and ecological–health risk drivers remain insufficiently understood. This study collected the stratified sediment samples from three depth intervals (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) from 28 representative sites in the coastal wetlands of western Bohai Bay, and evaluated the spatial distribution, vertical variation, pollution status, potential sources, and ecological–human health risks of eight heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb). The mean concentrations were below the Class I limits of the Marine Sediment Quality Standard. Most metals were close to or slightly below regional background values, whereas Cu and As showed mild enrichment and Cr was higher than values reported for Bohai Bay and Hangzhou Bay. Vertical profiles were generally homogeneous, with weak enrichment of specific metals, probably due to sediment resuspension, tidal disturbance, and bioturbation. Pollution assessment based on the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Nemerow pollution index (P_N), and pollution load index (PLI) consistently indicated low contamination levels, with Hg and Pb as the main contributors to the regional pollution load. Source apportionment indicated that heavy metals were jointly influenced by lithogenic background (38.9%), atmospheric deposition (31.1%), and local anthropogenic activities (30.0%). Ecological risk assessment showed that the integrated risk index (RI) remained within the low-risk category, although Hg consistently fell within the moderate-risk range and Cd approached the moderate-risk threshold. Health risk assessment showed that both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were within acceptable limits for all receptor groups. Children had higher risks in core residential areas, whereas adults showed higher risks in non-core industrial–agricultural zones because of increased exposure frequency. The source–risk analysis indicates that non-carcinogenic risk is mainly associated with background-derived Cr, whereas carcinogenic risk is primarily linked to anthropogenic As inputs. These findings indicate that source contributions and risk contributions are not necessarily consistent, highlighting the need for source-oriented risk management in industrialized coastal wetlands. Full article

Artificial soils derived from coal combustion by-products and industrial waste have been successfully used for mine spoil reclamation; however, their ecological risk and toxic element migration in the soil–plant system have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ecological risks in soil substitute covers after five years of their exposition, using the ecological risk factor (ERⁱ), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and geoaccumulation index. The modified BCR-sequential extraction method was applied to determine the chemical partitioning of the most toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). Additionally, the bioconcentration and translocation factors were used to assess the uptake of toxic elements by Phragmites australis. Findings from PERI indicate a moderate risk (239 and 258), mainly associated with moderate and considerable ERⁱ for Cd and Hg, respectively. The other toxic metals are associated with a low risk (ERⁱ < 40). Sequential extraction results showed the lowest concentrations of heavy metals in F1 fraction (0–30%) and increased in subsequent fractions: F2 (1–43%), F3 (10–62%) and F4 (10–89%). The calculated BCF values were below 1, indicating that the concentration of toxic metals in plants was lower than that in the soil substitute. The only exception was observed for Mn and Sn (BCF > 1). The results suggest that the tested soil substitutes are suitable for the reclamation of post-mining areas and may support sustainable biomass production. However, due to industrial atmospheric deposition and ecological risk associated with selected trace elements, continued monitoring of toxic metals is recommended. Full article

Pb-Zn resources are critical strategic assets for many nations. The Dian-Dongbei (northeastern Yunnan) region in Yunnan Province is a significant production area for these resources in China, boasting considerable prospecting potential. However, conventional exploration methods are increasingly inadequate, as they often fail to rapidly and effectively identify concealed mineralization information. To tackle this challenge, we propose a hybrid GAN-ResNet convolutional neural network methodology. This approach constructs a data-driven prospecting model for Pb-Zn deposits in the Dian-Dongbei region, utilizing multi-source geoscientific data encompassing geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and remote sensing (Geo-Phys-Chem-RS) to conduct quantitative mineral prospectivity mapping. A GAN model was introduced to augment the multi-source geoscientific data based on the concepts of random down-sampling and pseudo-window size. The quality of the generated synthetic samples was evaluated using the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) metric. The results show that the synthetic samples achieved an average PSNR value of 33.67 dB, effectively preserving the original features of the geoscientific data. This confirms the feasibility and quality of the data generated by this augmentation method. Furthermore, when applied to train the ResNet model, this augmented data effectively increased the prediction accuracy from 0.765 to 0.842. The results demonstrate that the integrated GAN-ResNet method produces prediction maps with higher accuracy. Moreover, it significantly refines and narrows down the target areas with high mineralization potential. This precision can substantially reduce exploration costs, representing a marked improvement in prediction efficacy. Full article

PM₁₀ filters provide short-term quantitative information on particle-bound potentially toxic elements (PTEs), whereas mosses integrate deposition and accumulation over longer periods but do not provide air-volume-normalised concentrations. Their combined use may therefore provide a more complete assessment of atmospheric PTE deposition. The study aimed to assess whether active moss biomonitoring and filter-based PM₁₀ monitoring provide complementary information on atmospheric deposition of PTEs under comparable exposure conditions. During the six-month campaign in Opole, PM₁₀ was collected during repeated 24 h sampling events, while three moss species: Pleurozium schreberi, Sphagnum fallax, and Dicranum polysetum were exposed cumulatively. PTE concentrations were determined by ICP-MS; particle-size descriptors, including Q₁₀, Q₅₀, and Q₉₀, were analysed for a subset of filters, whereas net concentration change and RAF were calculated relative to identically processed unexposed moss controls. Spearman correlation, PCA, and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity were used for data analysis. The material retained on the PM₁₀ filters was dominated by Fe, Zn, and Pb, whilst elevated peak values for Cd, Zn, and Pb indicated episodic enrichment in some samples. In mosses, Pb and Co showed the most consistent relative enrichment, while mean RAF exceeded 1.0 for five elements in P. schreberi and two elements each in D. polysetum and S. fallax. PCA separated PM₁₀ from moss profiles, with the first two components explaining 80.4% of the variance, while PM₁₀-moss Bray–Curtis distances ranged from 0.75 to 0.81. The results indicate that PM₁₀ filters and mosses record different but complementary aspects of the atmospheric PTE signal. The simultaneous use of both methods allows the atmospheric PTE signal to be interpreted at two levels: the short-term composition of PM₁₀ material retained on the filters, and the long-term retention and accumulation of elements within the moss matrix. Full article

Surface dust samples were collected from bus stops and parking lots in different functional areas of Binzhou City, Shandong Province, China. This study investigated the contamination characteristics, source apportionment, and potential ecological and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in these dust samples. Eight target PTEs, including As, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Mn, were quantitatively analyzed. The results revealed distinct concentration differences in these elements between bus stop dust and parking lot dust. Several PTEs exceeded the corresponding local soil background values, predominantly Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd and Cr. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Mn in bus stop dust were mainly sourced from traffic emissions, whereas As and Cd primarily originated from atmospheric deposition. For parking lot dust, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, and Mn were predominantly attributed to traffic sources, while As and Ni were mainly derived from natural background sources. The geo-accumulation index (I_geo) demonstrated that As, Cr, Ni, and Mn had negligible environmental impact, Pb, Cu, and Cd induced slight pollution, and Zn resulted in moderate pollution. Except for Cd, the average individual potential ecological risk index ($E_r^i$) values for all elements were below 40, suggesting a low ecological risk. Cd posed a moderate ecological hazard, whereas the comprehensive ecological risk index ($E_r^i$) values of all analyzed elements were at an extremely low level. The hazard index (HI) values via different exposure pathways and for all PTEs in both bus stops and parking lots were lower than 1, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic health risk. The carcinogenic risk ranking of elements was Cr > Cd > Ni > As, and their carcinogenic risk values (CR) via inhalation exposure were below 1 × 10⁻⁶, indicating no carcinogenic risk. This study provides a scientific basis for the environmental quality control and risk management of surface dust in urban bus stops and parking lots. Full article

The Tieshilong Pb-Zn polymetallic district is located along the northern margin of the Dongpo ore field in the middle section of the Nanling metallogenic belt, southern Hunan, China. It represents a typical granite-related, fault-controlled hydrothermal vein-type lead–zinc polymetallic deposit in southern Hunan. In recent years, large-scale tin mineralization has been newly discovered during exploration in the deeper and peripheral areas of the district. However, the timing and genetic nature of this tin mineralization remain undetermined, which limits understanding of the characteristics of the deposit’s metallogenic system and its deep exploration potential. In this study, we present in situ cassiterite U–Pb geochronology and trace element data from deep Pb-Zn-Sn orebodies in the Tieshilong mining district. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb analyses of cassiterite yield a Tera–Wasserburg lower-intercept age of 159.2 ± 6.2 Ma (MSWD = 1.4), indicating that Sn mineralization occurred during the Late Jurassic. This age overlaps, within uncertainty, with the main ca. 160~150 Ma W–Sn metallogenic event recognized throughout the Nanling belt. Trace element data reveal that Tieshilong cassiterite is enriched in Fe (1100–5800 ppm) and W (120–11,660 ppm), and depleted in Nb (0.1–87 ppm) and Ta (0–7.1 ppm). The Zr/Hf ratios range from 23 to 52, with a mean value of approximately ~36, which is close to the chondritic values. These geochemical signatures, together with the occurrence of cassiterite intergrown with hydrothermal quartz and its replacement by later sulfides, support precipitation from a granite-related magmatic–hydrothermal system. Based on the findings and the literature, the Tieshilong deposit is therefore interpreted as a Pb–Zn-dominant expression of a Late Jurassic granite-related polymetallic system, in which deeper Sn ± W mineralization was overprinted by later Pb–Zn–Cu sulfide mineralization along fault-controlled fluid pathways. The recognition of cassiterite-bearing, medium- to high-temperature assemblages at depth suggests that down-dip extensions, fault intersections, and strike-inflection zones of the ore-controlling structures represent priority targets for future exploration. Full article

This work reports the results of a study on the optical, morphological, and structural properties of cesium lead bromide iodide mixed perovskite thin films (CsPbBr_3−xI_x), synthesized by sequential evaporation of precursors (CsBr, PbBr₂, PbI₂). First, the deposition conditions were optimized to obtain thin films predominantly composed of the pure CsPbBr₃ phase. Subsequently, the influence of partial substitution of Br⁻ by I⁻ on the film properties was investigated. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating the effect of partial Pb²⁺ substitution by Zn²⁺ on the optical, morphological, electronic, and structural properties using optical transmittance, photoluminescence, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Urbach energy analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Zn²⁺-doped CsPbBr_3−xI_x films were prepared by evaporating a ZnBr₂ layer onto the pre-deposited PbBr₂/PbI₂ precursor layers. It was found that Zn²⁺-doped inorganic CsPbBr_3−xI_x perovskite films exhibit enhanced crystallinity and improved surface morphology. Additionally, photoluminescence characterization confirms that non-radiative recombination decreases significantly, apparently due to a reduction in intrinsic defect density. The effect of Zn²⁺ doping on the power conversion efficiency of carbon-based planar solar cells was also evaluated. Collectively, Urbach energy, photoluminescence, and SEM analyses revealed that the optimal Zn²⁺ doping range for CsPbBr_3−xI_x perovskite films is ≤5%. Full article

The Huize Ge-rich Pb-Zn deposit is an important part of the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn metallogenic area and is one of the most representative super-large deposits in the northeastern Yunnan Pb-Zn ore concentration area. The orebodies mainly occur in NE-trending interlayer fault zones. The Pb-Zn mineralization process of this deposit can be divided into the dolomite stage (I), sphalerite-galena stage (II), galena-sphalerite stage (III), and pyrite-calcite stage (IV). Based on a study of the deposit geology, we utilized LA-ICP-MS for in situ microanalysis of trace element compositions and element mapping of sphalerite from different stages to reveal the characteristics of the sphalerite trace element composition and occurrence mechanisms, understand the mineralization process, and constrain the genetic type of the deposit. This research shows that sphalerite color variations result from the multi-factor coupling of multiple trace element contents, element associations, and isomorphic substitutions among elements. Trace elements such as Mn, Fe, Cu, Ga, Ge, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, and Hg occur in the sphalerite lattice in the form of isomorphic substitutions or nanoscale mineral inclusions, whereas Pb occurs mainly as microscopic mineral inclusions (galena) in sphalerite. From the early to late stages of mineralization (SpI → SpII → SpIII), the mineralization temperature (132–205 °C) and sulfur fugacity (log₁₀ fS₂ = −15.29 to −19.89) both show a gradual decrease. During sphalerite crystallization in different stages, multiple trace elements exhibit coupled multi-element substitutions at the microscale: SpI: Zn²⁺ ↔ (Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cd²⁺), 2Zn²⁺ ↔ 2Ag⁺ + Ge²⁺; SpII: Zn²⁺ ↔ (Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺), 2Zn²⁺ ↔ 2Ag⁺ + Ge²⁺, 3Zn²⁺ ↔ 2Cu²⁺ + Ge²⁺, 3Zn²⁺ ↔ 2(Cu, Ag)²⁺ + Ge²⁺, 2Zn²⁺ ↔ Ga³⁺ + Cu⁺, 2Zn²⁺ ↔ Ga³⁺ + (Cu, Ag)⁺; and SpIII: Zn²⁺ ↔ (Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺), 3Zn²⁺ ↔ 2Cu²⁺ + Ge²⁺, 3Zn²⁺ ↔ 2(Cu, Ag)²⁺ + Ge²⁺). Mn, Fe, and Ge are mainly enriched in SpI; Ga and Ag are mainly enriched in SpII; and Cd is mainly enriched in both SpI and SpII. By comparing the sphalerite trace elements signature of the Huize Ge-rich deposit with those of global typical MVT, SEDEX, VMS, epithermal, and skarn-type Pb-Zn deposits, and considering the deposit’s geological and geochemical characteristics, we suggest that the Huize Pb-Zn deposit is best classified as a medium- to low-temperature, carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposit. Full article

Germanium (Ge) is a high-tech critical metal typically hosted at trace levels in sphalerite, making its detection and characterization challenging in both primary ores and mine residues. This study presents a multi-scale analytical workflow combining laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), and multivariate statistics to detect, map and quantify Ge distribution in a representative Pb-Zn sample from the Les Malines deposit (France). µ-LIBS mapping enables rapid centimeter-scale screening at 15 µm resolution and identifies Ge-bearing domains over large areas, which are subsequently investigated at micrometer scale using EPMA chemical mapping and quantitative analyses. Results reveal a strong µm-scale heterogeneity of Ge distribution within sphalerite, with Ge systematically concentrated in an Fe-rich intermediate zonation associated with prismatic growth textures, while Cu/Cd/Ag are enriched in distinct collomorph domains. Multivariate statistical analyses (correlation matrices and PCA) confirm a strong geochemical structuring opposing an Fe/Ge association against a Cu/Cd/Ag pole. These findings demonstrate that Ge incorporation is controlled by localized growth conditions rather than bulk composition. The proposed workflow provides an efficient and scalable framework for exploration, enabling rapid targeting of critical metal enrichments and supporting their extension to multiple mineralization stages, Pb-Zn deposits, and other high-tech critical metals (HTCMs) such as Ga and In. Full article

The No. VI ore block of the Galinge skarn system in the Qimantagh metallogenic belt, East Kunlun, contains proximal Fe-oxide mineralization and distal Pb–Zn sulfide mineralization that are spatially zoned and locally overprinted along faults and interlayer fracture zones. To constrain the controls on Fe–Pb–Zn zonation and overprinting within this ore block, we integrated LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating, zircon Lu–Hf isotopes, whole-rock major and trace elements, and in situ trace elements of magnetite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, and arsenopyrite. Zircon U–Pb ages indicate two Indosinian intrusive pulses: an early granodiorite at 235.1 ± 0.51 Ma and a younger granodiorite–quartz diorite at 229.52 ± 0.46 Ma. Excluding the hydrothermally altered sample ZK26804-805, the intrusive rocks are metaluminous, medium- to high-K calc-alkaline I-type granitoids mainly derived from remelting of ancient crustal material, with a greater juvenile crustal or mantle contribution in the younger phase. Magnetite is generally Zn-rich and Pb-poor, whereas late pyrite and chalcopyrite are enriched in Pb, Ag, Cd, and Bi; local Sb–As anomalies in magnetite and arsenopyrite indicate late hydrothermal overprinting. The Fe and Pb–Zn mineralization is best interpreted as staged products of one multipulse magmatic–hydrothermal system controlled not only by intrusive pulses but also by inherited structural pathways, host-rock reactivity, and evolving redox-sulfidation conditions. The interpretation of Sb–As enrichment in magnetite is therefore used cautiously because these elements may occur as lattice substitutions and/or micro- to nano-inclusions introduced or modified during retrograde alteration. Full article

The Donggou Pb-Zn deposit in the Qimantagh region is stratabound, with ore bodies occurring as stratoid and lenticular forms within clastic rocks and andesites of the Qimantagh Group. To constrain the mineralization age, ore genesis, and ore-forming conditions, this study conducted zircon U-Pb dating, sulfur isotope analysis, and LA-ICP-MS trace element analysis of sphalerite. Zircon U-Pb dating of the overlying andesite yields an age of 437.1 ± 1.9 Ma, which provides an upper age constraint for mineralization. Sulfur isotope values (δ³⁴S range from −5.98‰ to +12.01‰) suggest a mixed sulfur source, dominated by magmatic sulfur with a minor seawater contribution. Trace element analysis of sphalerite (Sp1) shows enrichment in Fe, Mn, Co, Cd, and In, and depletion in Ni, Ga, and Ge. The estimated mineralization temperature, based on the sphalerite geothermometer, is approximately 327–344 °C. Volcanic rocks in the deposit are mainly andesite with minor dacite and rhyolite, indicating an island arc setting, and the clastic rocks point to a continental arc provenance and a shallow marine environment. Collectively, these features suggest that the Donggou Pb-Zn deposit is a VMS-type deposit formed during the late subduction stage of the Qimantagh Ocean. This study provides new constraints on the Early Silurian Pb-Zn mineralization in the Qimantagh region and has implications for exploration targeting in similar volcanic-hosted settings. Full article

The development of eco-friendly magnesium (Mg)-based materials that possess acceptable mechanical properties, good biodegradability, and non-toxicity in biomedical applications has become more attractive in recent years, particularly for engineering and biomedical applications. This work investigates the effects of nano-ZnO (2 wt.%) reinforcement and cryogenic treatment (CT) on the microstructural, mechanical, thermal, and corrosion behavior of a non-toxic Mg-1Zn-1Ca alloy. Disintegrated melt deposition (DMD) was the synthesis starting point, while refrigeration at −20 °C (RF20) and liquid-nitrogen exposure at −196 °C (LN) were employed as the CT methods. CT significantly refined the grain size of the alloy and composite materials by more than 31.3%, down to 4.4–4.5 μm in diameter, leading to enhanced mechanical performance through grain boundary strengthening. RF20-treated Mg-1Zn-1Ca alloy exhibited the best damping properties (attenuation coefficient and damping capacity improved by 52.1% and 48.7%, respectively). Compressive response was also improved due to the combined effect of refined grains and reinforcement, with LN-treated Mg-1Zn-1Ca-2ZnO exhibiting the best combination of compression properties, i.e., YS—165 MPa, UCS—634 MPa, ε—43.6%, and W_f—175 MJ/m³. Ignition resistance was also improved with the addition of ZnO reinforcement (3.8% increase in ignition temperature). A significant reduction in corrosion rate was achieved with RF20 treatment, leading to corrosion rate reductions of 62% and 40% in PBS (simulated human body fluid) and salt solution, respectively, primarily due to equiaxed grains and stable microstructure. These results demonstrate the efficacy of ZnO reinforcement and CT conducted at different temperatures in selectively enhancing and tailoring the properties of eco-friendly, biocompatible Mg-alloys and composites for biomedical and strength-based applications. Full article

The Baleysky gold deposit in Eastern Transbaikalia is a classic example of the long-term environmental legacy of gold mining. The cessation of industrial wastewater discharge in 1995 led to the accumulation of more than 3 million m³ of acidic water with high concentrations of heavy metals and metalloids. These waters contain concentrations many times higher than the maximum permissible levels for fishery waters (Mn up to 6594, Al—1473, Zn—486, and Cu—414), posing a significant threat to the ecosystem of the Unda River and the health of the local population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the artificial geochemical barrier method for treating such waters under laboratory conditions. Column experiments were conducted using local soil and the commercial carbonate sorbent taurite at a sorbent-to-filtrate ratio of 1:5. Taurite demonstrated a significantly higher sorption capacity than soil, substantially reducing the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Al, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu and raising the pH from 2.90 to 7.96–8.03. Although health risks associated with both carcinogenic (CR) and non-carcinogenic effects (HI) decreased significantly after treatment with taurite, residual risk levels remained unacceptably high (CR ≈ 10⁻³, HI > 1). The results show that engineered geochemical barriers have great potential for reducing anthropogenic contamination at abandoned mining sites, although further optimization of this technology is necessary to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements. Full article