Search Results (1,331)

To clarify the hydrocarbon-generation potential of deep source rocks in the Qingyang Gas Field, this study focuses on the Shanxi and Taiyuan Formation source rocks at burial depths of 4000–5000 m. Integrated organic geochemical analyses were conducted to investigate organic matter abundance, kerogen type, thermal maturity, hydrocarbon-generation conditions, and their significance for natural gas accumulation. The TOC values of the 12 valid mudstone samples range from 0.07% to 2.53%, with an average of 0.77%, indicating generally poor to fair organic matter abundance. Rock-Eval results show that S2 values range from 0.0681 to 6.2797 mg/g, with an average of 1.5946 mg/g, whereas S1 + S2 values range from 0.0948 to 6.9066 mg/g, with an average of 1.8582 mg/g, indicating generally limited Rock-Eval hydrocarbon-generating capacity, with local improvement. The kerogen assemblage is heterogeneous and is generally dominated by Type III humic kerogen, with subordinate Type II components and minor Type I components in some samples, indicating mixed organic-matter input but an overall gas-prone character. Tmax values range from 420 to 482 °C; however, because Tmax may be unreliable in samples with very low S2 values, thermal maturity was evaluated mainly using vitrinite reflectance and natural gas geochemical evidence. R_o values range from 2.03% to 2.22%, with an average of 2.11%, indicating that the source rocks have reached a high- to overmature stage. The natural gas is methane-rich, with an average methane content of 91.73% and an average heavy hydrocarbon content of only 0.16%, indicating a typical dry-gas composition. The carbon isotope values of methane and ethane are both negative, with δ¹³C₁ values ranging from −35.59‰ to −20.65‰ and δ¹³C₂ values ranging from −37.82‰ to −28.44‰, consistent with high-maturity coal-derived gas generated from humic organic matter. The formation water is mainly medium- to high-salinity CaCl₂ type, indicating a relatively closed hydrologic environment favorable for natural gas preservation. Clay mineral assemblages dominated by kaolinite and illite provide supplementary evidence for depositional conditions, burial diagenesis, and fluid–rock interaction. Overall, although the Rock-Eval hydrocarbon-generating capacity of the Shanxi and Taiyuan Formation source rocks is generally limited, the Type III-dominated mixed kerogen, high- to overmature R_o values, methane-rich dry-gas composition, and carbon isotope characteristics collectively indicate that these source rocks experienced effective natural gas generation during geological evolution and are genetically related to the present deep natural gas accumulation. This study provides fundamental geochemical constraints for further integrated exploration and evaluation of the deep coal-measure gas system in the Qingyang Gas Field. Full article

The global challenge of effectively using and treating solid wastes in an environmentally sustainable way is significant. This study explores the creation of ternary low-carbon gelling materials made from red mud (RM), mineral powder (MP), and soda residue (SR). Using techniques such as SEM-ED, XRD, and FTIR, the microstructure of the red mud–mineral powder–alkaline slag (RM-MP-SR) mixture was analyzed, and the mechanical and physical properties of the material, as well as the leaching behavior of heavy metals, were investigated. The MRS16 sample, containing a 16% SR replacement, exhibited the best properties: compared with the control sample MRS0 (without replacement), its 28-day compressive strength increased by 43.7% to 51.3 MPa, the drying shrinkage rate decreased by 43.2%, and the mass loss rate reduced by 73.9%. After 100 freeze–thaw cycles, the mass loss was only 3.7%. The addition of SR can decrease the porosity in ternary materials, enhancing their mechanical properties; this is mainly due to SR promoting the increase in C-S-H, C-A-S-H gel, and ettringite. Meanwhile, MRS16 showed excellent freeze–thaw resistance, and the leaching levels of Cu, As, Pb, Cr, and Ni were within China’s non-hazardous limits. This study emphasizes the potential of combining RM, MP, and SR, providing useful scientific and theoretical insights for the joint use of alkaline, silica–aluminum, and calcium-based solid wastes. Full article

With the increasing frequency of desilting in urban drainage systems, the safe disposal and resource reuse of sewer sediments have become a prominent practical challenge. Screened sand, the most promising component for resource recovery from sewer sediments, still lacks systematic insight into its pollution risks and the necessity of pretreatment. In this study, 120 raw sewer sediment samples were collected from sanitary, storm, and illicitly connected (IC) storm sewers in Shanghai, alongside seasonal screened sand samples. We systematically characterized their physicochemical properties and heavy metal and antibiotic pollution profiles, and evaluated the purification performance of ultrasonic treatment, sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) washing, and their coupled processes. Results revealed significant differences in sediment properties across pipeline types. Screened sand, dominated by SiO₂ and CaO, shows preliminary potential for reuse as a low-grade bulk building material, but its organic loss on ignition (LOI) of 5.29–13.42% exceeded the reuse limit. Concentrations of heavy metals and antibiotics were generally higher in screened sand than in raw sediments, with further enrichment in the fine sand fractions, indicating that screening only redistributed contaminants rather than eliminated them. The coupled ultrasonic–SHMP process, applied for the first time to screened sand from sewer sediments, achieved optimal performance, with a maximum LOI reduction and over 85% removal of certain antibiotics, without damaging the sand’s mineral skeleton. This study provides a scientific basis for the safe resource reuse of screened sand. Full article

The rapid development of tropical island tourism has put forward a higher demand for asphalt pavement construction on the island. However, the asphalt pavement engineering in the offshore area is generally faced with high material transportation costs. Additionally, challenges such as high-temperature climate and heavy-load traffic may lead to permanent pavement deformation. As a typical marine solid waste, shells have high calcium carbonate content and porous structures, which have the potential advantage of modified asphalt. In this study, mixed shell powder was used as a modified material, and 70 # base asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt were mixed, respectively. The effect of asphalt modification was analyzed by basic performance tests and high-temperature rheological tests. An asphalt mixture was prepared by replacing limestone powder with mixed shell powder in equal volume, and its road performance was systematically tested. The modification mechanism was revealed by means of a microscopic test. The results show that the recommended content of mixed shell powder in SBS-modified asphalt is 9%, and 50–100% mixed shell powder can be used to replace mineral filler in base asphalt and single SBS modified asphalt mixture. This study provides effective technical support for the utilization of shell solid waste in offshore areas and the optimization of asphalt pavement performance. Full article

Aiming at the problem of heavy metal release from ultra-low-grade waste rock caused by the coupling of natural weathering and acid-rain leaching, black shale gravel of the Cambrian Series in western Hunan was taken as the research object. Gradient mechanical crushing was used to simulate physical weathering, and sulfuric–nitric acid-type simulated acid rain was prepared for continuous leaching experiments. Combined with ICP-MS monitoring and SEM-EDS characterization, the effects of crushing intensity on the physicochemical properties of leaching system and heavy metal release kinetics were systematically analyzed. The results showed that the pH of the leaching system presented three evolutionary stages: acid-dominated, alkaline transition and buffer stabilization. Heavy metal release could be divided into three types according to their occurrence forms: the sulfide-phase-sensitive type (Cd, Zn), secondary stable type (Pb), and silicate lattice bound type (Cu, Ni, Cr). The promotion effect of crushing on interface reaction activity showed diminishing marginal effect, and the particle fractal dimension increased from 2.15 to 2.67. It was concluded that the core controlling factor of heavy metal release risk is the selective exposure degree of occurrence mineral phases by physical disturbance. A coupling framework of “physical weathering–mineral exposure–release response” was established, providing a scientific basis for the differentiated management and control of heavy metals in filling sites. Full article

Co-utilization of milk vetch as green manure (GM) and rice straw is an effective practice for reducing nitrogen (N) input while maintaining crop productivity in rice-based agroecosystems in southern China. The effects of soil carbon (C) and N pools and their fractions under green manuring and rice straw return, combined with reduced N fertilization remain to be clarified. A four-year field experiment was carried out to explore the effects of synergistic utilization of GM and rice straw (GMS) on rice yield, soil C and N fractions, and their contributions to rice productivity. The study demonstrated that compared with winter fallow (WF), GMS increased rice yield by 20.3% under 40% reduction in N fertilization (N60). GM application increased soil total N content by 16.5% and 18.0% significantly relative to WF under N0 and N60, respectively. GMS treatment demonstrated improvements in the soil organic C pool and enhanced soil N activity. Compared with WF, soil organic C, mineral-associated organic C and particulate organic C under GMS increased by 11.1% and 24.9%, 31.3% and 13.8%, 13.1% and 47.3% at N0 and N60 levels, respectively. Under N60, GMS increased heavy-fraction organic C content by 42.6% while reducing light-fraction organic C content by 28.0% compared to WF, thereby enhancing soil C pool stability. Regarding soil N fractions, GMS increased particulate organic N content by 60.8% and 79.3%, and mineral-associated organic N content by 89.7% and 43.4% at N0 and N60 levels, respectively. Under N60, GMS reduced heavy-fraction organic N content while increasing light-fraction organic N content, thereby enhancing soil N availability. Based on the results of Mantel tests and random forest prediction, our analysis found that N and particulate organic C served as the key factors affecting rice yield. In conclusion, GMS combined with 60% of the conventional N rate enhanced rice yield by mediating soil C sequestration and N availability, proving to be an effective strategy for improving soil fertility and ensuring food security in the rice-growing region of southern Jiangsu, China. Full article

The Lovozero and Khibiny alkaline massifs (Kola Peninsula, Russian Arctic) are the prominent sources of REE minerals, with the Lovozero loparite deposit being the only currently active REE mine in Russia. A new ashcroftine-related mineral phase KA with the idealized chemical formula K₆(Na₄Ca)(Y₈Ca₃Mn)[Si₂₈O₆₈(OH)₂](CO₃)₈F₂·9H₂O was found in the Khibiny alkaline massif. Its empirical formula determined by electron microprobe analysis is Na_4.14K_6.11Ca_3.89Mn_0.59Y_6.10Ce_0.08 Gd_0.32Tb_0.15Dy_0.78Ho_0.19Er_0.35Tm_0.15Yb_0.12Lu_0.06Si₂₈C₈O_93.02F_2.08·9H₂O. The crystal structure was determined and refined by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The KA phase is tetragonal, I4/mmm, a = 24.1661(3), c = 17.5914(4) Å, V = 10,273.4(3) ų. The crystal structure contains two Y sites. The Y1 site is [8]-coordinated and hosts more heavy REEs, whereas the Y2 site is predominantly [7]-coordinated and accumulates lighter REEs and Mn. The crystal structure is based upon the [Si₂₈X₇₀] nanotubes (X = O,OH) elongated along the c-axis and composed of corner-sharing SiX₄ tetrahedra. The external diameter of the tubules is equal to ~19.54 Å, i.e., slightly less than 2 nm. The silicate nanotubes are running parallel to the c-axis and centered along the (00z) and (½½z) directions. The tubules are linked by walls of YO_n polyhedra that also involve triangular CO₃ groups. The K⁺, Na⁺, and Ca²⁺ cations, as well as H₂O molecules, are located either inside or outside the tubules. The crystal-chemical formula of the KA phase can be written as {K_6.14Na_4.30Ca_0.81}[Y_5.88Ca_3.12Dy_0.88Mn²⁺_0.60Gd_0.32 Ho_0.24Er_0.24Tb_0.16Tm_0.16Er_0.12Yb_0.12Ce_0.08Lu_0.08](Mn³⁺_0.09) [Si₂₈O_68.36(OH)_1.65](CO₃)₈F₂·8.97H₂O, which agrees well with the idealized formula. According to the information-based complexity analysis, the KA phase has a very complex structure and belongs to less than 3.5% of the very complex minerals known today. The presence of silicate tubules is the key reason for the exceptional structural complexity of the phase. It is impossible to establish exact relations between the KA phase and ashcroftine-(Y) on the basis of the currently available data, since the last chemical analysis of the latter mineral was done in 1924. Therefore, the mineralogical identity of ashcroftine-(Y) is currently an unresolved problem. The silicate tubule in the KA phase is topologically related to the Linde zeolite A (the LTA zeolite framework) and can be produced from the latter by a series of topological operations. The KA phase forms a homological row with caysichite-(Y) and miyawakiite-(Y), along which the Si content is increasing, and silicate chains in caysichite-(Y) transform into silicate tubules in miyawakiite-(Y) and into silicate nanotubules in the KA phase. Indeed, the M:Si:C ratio (where M = Y, REEs, Ca, Mn, Fe) changes from 1:1:0.75 for caysichite-(Y) through 0.75:1:0.5 for miyawakiite-(Y) to 0.43:1:0.29 for ashcroftine-(Y) (and KA). The increasing role of silica along the row results in the formation of zeolite-derived porous one-dimensional units. The KA phase possesses two important crystal chemical properties that distinguish it from other minerals known to date: it hosts a variety of REEs and is based upon nanoscale zeolite-like silicate units. The KA phase, ashcroftine-(Y), caysichite-(Y), and miyawakiite-(Y) have never been prepared under laboratory conditions. The mineralogical occurrence of the KA phase in the Khibiny massif points out to its secondary origin, i.e., its formation under relatively soft, low-temperature hydrothermal conditions. Thus, the discovery of the KA phase in nature may provide important hints toward its synthesis in the laboratory by means of a soft-chemistry approach. Full article

Fly ash (FA) is a coal combustion product with variable mineral composition, high alkalinity, and elevated enrichment of heavy metals (HMs) such as As, Se, Mo, Cd, and Pb. Fly ash greatly influences soil dynamics by altering soil pH, nutrient mobility, microbial activity, soil structure, and texture. This review evaluates phytoextraction as a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy for remediating FA-contaminated soils. It explores the physicochemical properties of FA, the impact of FA and associated heavy metals (HMs) on soil, the mechanisms of HM hyperaccumulation in plants, and the effectiveness of phytoextraction based on the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF). Case studies from various regions demonstrate the great potential of hyperaccumulator species to extract toxic HMs from FA-impacted soils. However, challenges such as low metal bioavailability, limited field validation, and inadequate management of contaminated biomass hinder large-scale application. Future research should focus on optimizing biomass utilization, developing comprehensive hyperaccumulator databases, and advancing genetic and policy frameworks to enhance the scalability and effectiveness of phytoextraction. Full article

Differential enrichment of shale oil hydrocarbon fractions exerts a fundamental control on the spatial distribution of “sweet spots” and the efficiency of unconventional resource recovery. This study investigates the continental shales of the Upper Es4 Member in the Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, through an integrated analytical framework combining Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and high-pressure mercury intrusion. By moving beyond qualitative observations, we characterize the micro-scale partitioning of light and heavy fractions and establish a deterministic hierarchy of controlling factors. Our results indicate the following. (1) Mineral composition functions as a “primary geochemical filter,” where carbonate minerals exhibit a preferential adsorption affinity for light fractions (≤ C₁₈), while clay minerals facilitate the selective retention of heavy components (> C₁₈). (2) Pore–throat architecture acts as a “secondary mobility modulator.” A statistically significant linear correlation (R² = 0.72, p < 0.05) was identified between mean pore diameter and the light-to-heavy fluorescence ratio, suggesting that interconnected macropores in carbonate laminae provide low-resistance conduits for light oil accumulation, whereas isolated mesopores in argillaceous matrices promote heavy-component sequestration. (3) Thermal maturity (Ro) drives a progressive shift in the light-to-heavy ratio, enhancing oil fluidity and regulating the transition from adsorption-dominated to migration-dominated enrichment. This study clarifies the lithofacies-dependent coupling mechanisms between mineral diagenesis and pore-scale fractionation, providing a semi-quantitative conceptual model for shale oil sweet-spot prediction in complex lacustrine basins. Full article

Global water pollution driven by industrial and agricultural expansion has resulted in the widespread occurrence of persistent contaminants, particularly pharmaceuticals and heavy metals, in groundwater systems. Conventional treatment methods often prove inefficient, costly, and environmentally unsustainable, highlighting the need for innovative in situ remediation technologies. Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs) have emerged as a promising and energy-efficient solution for the long-term purification of contaminated aquifers. Their efficiency arises from passive operation, relying on natural groundwater flow to promote pollutant removal through adsorption, ion exchange, precipitation, and redox-driven transformations. This review emphasizes the superior performance of materials such as Activated Carbon, Biochar, Zeolites, and Zero-Valent Iron (ZVI) in the immobilization and reduction in pharmaceuticals and metal ions. Key challenges to PRB longevity include permeability loss and reactive media depletion due to mineral precipitation and biofouling. Advances in hybrid PRB configurations, coupled with electrokinetic (EK) and bioreactor systems, and predictive modeling, particularly Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), offer pathways to enhance performance, optimize design, and ensure sustainable operation. Overall, PRBs represent a scalable and environmentally sound approach to groundwater remediation, with future progress relying on the development of multifunctional, regenerable materials and integrated design strategies. Full article

The formation and spatial distribution of sedimentary systems in rift-lake basins are jointly controlled by multiple factors, including sediment supply rates from source areas, clastic sediment transport pathways, and basin geometry and intrabasinal structural configuration (e.g., accommodation zones and faults), which strongly influence the architecture of depositional systems and basin filling processes. The Wenliu Formation (Wenliu Member, Late Paleogene) of the Wenchang Group in the Enping 20/21 Depression of the Yangjiang East Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, developed a multi-source and multi-channel sand-transport system; however, the matching relationships and coupling mechanisms among different source areas, transport pathways, and depositional systems remain poorly understood. Based on three-dimensional seismic data, drilling, and well-log information, combined with heavy mineral assemblages and detrital zircon U–Pb age spectra, this study comprehensively investigates the source areas, paleochannel clastic sediment transport pathways, and depositional systems of the Wenliu Member, systematically establishing the source-to-sink (S2S) framework. The results indicate that sediments of the Wenliu Member were supplied from four main source areas, including the northwestern Yangchun Uplift, northeastern Enyang low uplift, and southwestern Yangjiang low uplift, with nine major paleochannel clastic sediment transport pathways identified. The different source zones show distinct variations in area, slope characteristics, and sediment supply modes, corresponding to differentiated paleochannel types and paleodrainage configurations. The study area overall exhibits a typical multi-channel convergence depositional pattern, dominated by braid-delta and fan-delta systems. The Enyang low-slope source zone generated the largest braid-delta deposits, whereas fault-transformed source zones produced fan-delta deposits adjacent to active faults and along basin-margin fault systems. Quantitative analysis further indicates that depositional-system scale is significantly correlated with source-area size, paleodrainage development, and paleochannel geometric parameters. Large depositional bodies are more likely to form when the source area exceeds ~60 km², the paleochannel width exceeds ~1.4 km, and the cross-sectional area exceeds ~10 km². Integrating the spatial relationships among source areas, transport pathways, and depositional systems, four source-to-sink subsystems are identified, which can be further classified into two typical depositional patterns: a long-source gentle-slope braid-delta pattern and a proximal-source rapid-accumulation fan-delta pattern. This study elucidates the coupling relationships among source areas, clastic sediment transport pathways, and depositional sinks in a multi-source rift-lake basin, providing a geological basis for predicting sedimentary systems and guiding hydrocarbon exploration in the study area. Full article

The global construction industry urgently requires sustainable alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to mitigate its immense carbon footprint. Red mud (RM), a highly alkaline bauxite residue, presents tremendous but challenging potential as a supplementary cementitious material. This review systematically bridges the gap between atomic-level interfacial bonding mechanisms and macroscopic engineering performance, highlighting how these properties are significantly dictated by specific RM sources (e.g., Bayer vs. Sintering processes). We first elucidate advanced pretreatment strategies, notably CO₂ mineralization, which synergistically mitigates extreme alkalinity and sequesters carbon. Crucially, the fundamental bonding mechanisms are decoded: beyond physical filling, RM integration induces significant micro-morphological densification via intense aluminosilicate depolymerization—evidenced by the Al[VI] to Al[IV] coordination shift—and the quantitative integration of approximately 40% reactive iron phases into stable Fe-S-H networks. By clearly distinguishing between traditional hydration and clinker-free alkali-activation pathways, we evaluate holistic structural parameters beyond mere 28-day compressive strength (40–67 MPa), explicitly addressing flexural capacity, modulus of elasticity, and volume stability. Environmental assessments confirm exceptional heavy metal immobilization (>95% efficiency, leaching < 0.010 mg/L) and a substantial 50–80% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP), provided the environmental burden of alkaline activators is rigorously accounted for. Furthermore, the long-term risk of Alkali–Silica Reaction (ASR) is evaluated as a primary durability concern. Finally, to overcome persistent rheological bottlenecks, this paper highlights transformative future trajectories, particularly data-driven Machine Learning (ML) for complex mix optimization and 3D concrete printing for advanced infrastructure. Ultimately, this review provides a robust theoretical foundation and a pragmatic roadmap for upcycling RM into safe, high-performance, and ultra-low-carbon building materials. Full article

Sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the western Qaidam Basin are spatially associated with hydrocarbon-bearing structures, yet the specific roles of different sulfur sources in uranium mineralization remain poorly constrained. This study aims to distinguish the contributions of bacterial sulfate reduction and hydrocarbon-associated sulfate reduction to uranium precipitation by integrating detailed petrography, in situ trace element analyses, and sulfur isotope measurements of chalcopyrite from the Yuejin II deposit. Chalcopyrite is restricted to high-grade uranium ores and occurs intergrown with uranium minerals, pyrite, baryte, and carbonate cements. Trace element patterns indicate that oxidizing brines acted as the main transport medium for both uranium and copper, as evidenced by positive correlations between U and brine-related elements (Ba, Sr, Na, K). Positive U-Th correlations with relatively constant Th/U ratios (0.027–0.225) reflect a combination of source composition, fluid transport capacity, and limited thorium remobilization in this near-source, hydrocarbon-rich environment. Correlations between U and high field strength elements (Sn, W) point to a highly evolved granitic origin, with Altyn granitoids likely supplying the copper. Sulfur isotopes show a clear bimodal distribution: one group exhibits heavy δ³⁴S values (+6.9‰ to +18.5‰), while the other shows extremely light values (–36.0‰ to –44.6‰). The light group reflects bacterial sulfate reduction in shallow strata, supported by framboidal pyrite textures, whereas the heavy group corresponds to surface-derived sulfate reduced at hydrocarbon-associated redox fronts, rather than direct incorporation of deep H₂S. The lack of intermediate δ³⁴S values indicates that two discrete sulfur reduction mechanisms coexisted within the same deposit, refining genetic models for uranium mineralization in petroliferous basins and challenging frameworks that invoke a single dominant sulfur source. Full article

The chemical equilibria of metal ions between soil solution and solid phases govern the solubility of metals in soil. However, the identity of these controlling phases remains poorly understood in historically polluted environments. This study aimed to identify the dominant mineral phases regulating the activities of Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Ni²⁺ in soils subjected to long-term contamination from sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, river water, and industrial effluents across India. The soil samples were collected from various locations historically polluted by sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, polluted river water and industrial effluents. The free ion activities of Zn²⁺ (pZn²⁺), Cd²⁺ (pCd²⁺), Pb²⁺ (pPb²⁺) and Ni²⁺ (pNi²⁺) in soil pore water were estimated using the geochemical speciation model WHAM-VII. The metal ion activities were higher in industrial effluents and solid waste-treated soils as compared to other contaminated soils. The solubility of Zn and Cd in soils contaminated with Zn-smelter effluents was controlled by franklinite (ZnFe₂O₄) in equilibrium with goethite (α-FeOOH) and otavite (CdCO₃), respectively. Identification of minerals further reveals that nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) in equilibrium with lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) governs the activity of Ni²⁺ in cycle factory effluent-irrigated soils of Sonepat, Haryana. At the municipal solid waste-contaminated site, the Pb²⁺ activity was controlled by exchangeable Pb in soils, whereas Zn²⁺ activity was governed by willemite (Zn₂SiO₄) in equilibrium with quartz (SiO₂). These findings provide new insights into mineralogical controls on heavy metal solubility under diverse contamination scenarios. Formation of highly soluble minerals like otavite, willemite, and nickel ferrite suggested the potential ecological risk of Cd, Zn, and Ni, respectively, in polluted soils. Full article

The Burullus–Baltim coastal zone of Egypt’s Nile Delta represents a critical geoheritage sand-dune system functioning as the primary natural defense line against inundation of the central Nile Delta. This ecosystem is increasingly threatened by intensive black sand mining, raising concerns regarding long-term coastal sustainability. Black sand extraction disrupts dune integrity by reducing sediment density and heavy mineral content, thereby lowering resistance to wind forcing and accelerating aeolian transport. This study assesses historical dune migration and extraction-driven changes in aeolian dynamics using high-resolution satellite imagery, ERA5 wind reanalysis (1975–2024), and integrated analytical–numerical modeling, with implications for sustainable coastal management. A dominant northwesterly wind regime drives eastward and southward dune migration of 3.22 m/yr and 1.7 m/yr, respectively (2010–2025). Black sand mining since 2022 has measurably reduced heavy mineral content and bulk density, altering grain-size distribution and making dunes significantly more susceptible to wind entrainment. Coupled Bagnold and AeoLiS modeling predicts an 8.21% rise in mass transport rates and a corresponding acceleration in dune migration following extraction. These findings demonstrate that black sand mining amplifies aeolian transport and increases sand encroachment risks to nearby settlements, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The results highlight the trade-offs between resource extraction and coastal dune ecosystem services, particularly flood protection and land stability, emphasizing the need for regulated mining, bioengineered dune stabilization, and predictive modeling to enhance the Nile Delta’s long-term resilience. Full article