Search Results (363)

Allergic asthma is among the type 2-driven chronic inflammatory allergic diseases. Osteoimmunological findings indicate that shared systemic immune mediators and persistent inflammation can disrupt skeletal homeostasis and promote bone fragility. Treatment commonly includes inhaled corticosteroids like fluticasone propionate (FP) to suppress inflammation, with anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE) biologics added to interrupt the IgE-mediated allergic cascade. TNF-α inhibitors (anti-TNF) are also being studied for their impact on inflammatory pathways. However, their capacity to preserve bone mechanical/mineral integrity in allergic airway inflammation (AAI) remains unclear. This study compared the efficacy of anti-TNF, FP, and anti-IgE monotherapies and an FP/anti-IgE combination in mitigating AAI-induced deficits in bone mechanical/mineral integrity in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic murine AAI model. Fifty-six male BALB/c mice (8–10 weeks old; 22–24 g) were randomly assigned to control, AAI (OVA-sensitized/challenged), and five treatment cohorts: FP (2000 μg), low-/high-dose anti-IgE (aIgE-L/aIgE-H; 100/200 μg), anti-TNF (aTNF; 6.25 mg/kg-bw), and FP/aIgE-H combination. Following an 8-week protocol, three-point bending and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used to assess bone mechanical properties and physicochemical characteristics of the mineral phase (calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels; stoichiometric Ca/P ratio), respectively. Analyses showed that aIgE-L and FP monotherapies failed to mitigate AAI-induced bone changes. aTNF and aIgE-H monotherapies provided comparable protection of cross-sectional properties, rigidity, energy-to-fracture, elastic modulus, and yield/ultimate moments; however, aIgE-H was more efficacious in preserving Ca and P levels and the stoichiometric Ca/P ratio. The FP/aIgE-H combination demonstrated the greatest efficacy in preventing mechanical deterioration and preserving mineral integrity, suggesting it as the optimal strategy for maintaining skeletal health in the management of type 2-driven AAI. Full article

Taipingcun molybdenum deposit is a recently discovered large-scale deposit in eastern Hebei, located within the Yanshan orogenic belt of eastern China. This study integrates LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb geochronology and trace-element analyses, whole-rock geochemical analyses, magma redox state estimation, and crustal thickness calculations for the concealed porphyritic monzogranite closely associated with Mo mineralization. Zircon U–Pb dating yields a weighted mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 163 ± 3 Ma, which is consistent with the Re-Os molybdenite mineralization age of 164 ± 1 Ma. These results indicate that both magmatism and mineralization occurred during the late Middle Jurassic and formed as part of a tectono–magmatic–metallogenic event within the Yan–Liao Mo (Cu) metallogenic belt. Petrographic and geochemical data indicate that the Taipingcun porphyritic monzogranite is a fractionated, relatively reduced (average ΔFMQ of −2.44) high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite, characterized by pronounced silica and alkali enrichment. Combined analyses of Mo contents in granitic intrusions, regional Mo geochemical anomalies, and crustal thickness variations indicate that Mo mineralization in eastern Hebei is closely associated with Yanshanian granitic magmatism, including Taipingcun, Wangpingshi, Maoshan, Luowenyu, and Gaojiadian plutons. Moreover, Mo anomaly intensity shows a strong positive correlation with crustal thickness, which systematically decreases from west to east across the regions. The Taipingcun intrusion likely formed during the compressional–extensional transition associated with the first phase of Yanshan Orogeny, coeval with advancing subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate. Full article

Forward osmosis (FO) offers a promising route for urine concentration and nutrient recovery, yet inorganic scaling under high water recovery remains a significant challenge. This study systematically investigated scaling during FO treatment of synthetic fresh urine (SFU) and synthetic hydrolysed urine (SHU) over three consecutive cycles to 80% water recovery. SFU exhibited moderate flux decline (~14.4 → 4–5 LMH), with minimal hydraulic resistance from sparse calcium-deficient Ca–P deposits (Ca:P ≈ 1.2; ACP/OCP-like). In contrast, SHU caused severe cumulative scaling, progressively reducing flux from 19 → 14.46 → 1.3 LMH, dominated by struvite (Mg:P ≈ 1.02) and mixed Mg–carbonate phases. Visual MINTEQ thermodynamic modelling correctly identified the dominant mineral families in both feeds, while kinetic effects governed the formation of metastable phases, demonstrating that equilibrium modelling and experimental characterisation are complementary tools for scaling prediction under transient FO conditions. Physical cleaning restored ~98–99% of water flux for both feeds, confirming that even severe SHU-induced scaling is largely hydraulically reversible. High rejection of multivalent ions (PO₄³⁻, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺) was maintained throughout, confirming membrane integrity was preserved despite severe scaling. These findings demonstrate that urine hydrolysis fundamentally governs scaling pathways, severity, and reversibility in FO systems, and that simple hydraulic flushing is an effective fouling-control strategy, providing practical guidance for operating condition selection and cleaning strategy design in FO-based urine treatment applications. Full article

This study examines the complex interplay between dynamic response and mineralogical microstructures across various geological formations, particularly differentiating between mineralized and metamorphic rocks. Utilizing a comprehensive vibration-based approach, in conjunction with petrographic analysis and ultrasonic wave propagation, the study clarifies the significant impact of microstructural features, such as disseminated sulfides and foliated planes, on the complex’s global dynamic behavior. This study investigates six representative rock samples from mineralized and metamorphic geological zones using integrated petrographic analysis, ultrasonic wave velocity testing, density and physical property measurements, and free-vibration dynamic analysis. The results show that the composition and mechanical properties differ significantly. Mineralized rocks contain a high proportion of sulfide minerals, reaching approximately 75% in some samples, and exhibit significantly higher densities, with the APZ sample reaching 3950 kg/m³. In contrast, metamorphic rocks have an average density of 2700 kg/m³. This difference in composition leads to different dynamic responses. Mineralized zones have dynamic elastic moduli that are much higher than those of metamorphic rocks, with Young’s Modulus reaching up to 134.17 GPa and shear moduli ranging from 49.78 GPa to 56.14 GPa, which is about 50% higher than metamorphic rocks (28.9 GPa to 30.5 GPa). However, macro-mechanical deflection tests show that highly foliated metamorphic rocks (like PFT) exhibit the largest deflection of 0.52 mm, while demineralized rocks (like CP) exhibit the smallest deflection of 0.26 mm. Dynamic vibration analysis shows that microstructural “flaws” significantly affect energy dissipation. For example, the Transitional Phase Zone (TPZ) in mineralized rocks has the highest damping ratio (1.67%) and the lowest natural frequency (270 Hz) in its suite. This is different from the more rigid Advanced Pyritization Zone (APZ), which has a damping ratio of 1.1% and a frequency of 395 Hz. These new correlations provide a more accurate basis for the non-destructive assessment of structural stability in mineralized settings, highlighting that local micro-stiffness does not necessarily indicate macroscopic dynamic rigidity. Full article

This study investigates the effect of mineral additives of different natures, namely blast-furnace slag, fly ash, and bentonite, on structure formation, phase composition, microstructure, and physicomechanical properties of cement matrices. The analysis included measurements of mass change and linear shrinkage during hardening, determination of density and microhardness, X-ray phase analysis, and microstructural examination by scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the introduction of mineral additives reduced linear shrinkage from 6.06 mm for the control composition to 0.25 mm for the composition with blast-furnace slag, 2.31 mm for the composition with fly ash, and 1.01 mm for the composition with bentonite. The maximum density and microhardness values were obtained for the matrix with blast-furnace slag and amounted to 1.99 ± 0.03 g/cm³ and 39.95 ± 1.12 HV1, respectively, whereas the overall range of values for the investigated compositions was 1.52–1.99 g/cm³ and 30.2–39.95 HV1. X-ray phase analysis showed that the amorphous component varied from 61 to 78%, reaching its maximum value in the composition with blast-furnace slag, which is associated with the formation of poorly crystalline C–S–H and aluminosilicate phases. According to the SEM data, the average size of visible pore-like defects was 2.4 μm for the control composition, 1.4 μm for the composition with blast-furnace slag, 1.3 μm for the composition with fly ash, and 1.7 μm for the composition with bentonite. The most favorable combination of high density, microhardness, developed amorphous component, and homogeneous microstructure was established for the composition with blast-furnace slag. The obtained results can be used as a materials-science basis for the development of cement matrices intended for further studies on the immobilization of solid radioactive waste. Full article

Most existing dental restorative materials exhibit limited bioactivity, insufficient acid resistance, and poor mechanical compatibility with natural tooth structures. This study involved an in vitro approach in which a biomimetic fluoride-modified functionally gradient dental restorative material was prepared from sol–gel-derived mesoporous silica through mineralization induced via SBF solution. They synthesized bioactive restorative materials by introducing silica into a simulated body fluid (SBF) for biomimetic mineralization and generating hydroxyapatite on the silica surface. XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDS analyses confirmed the presence of hydroxyapatite and fluorapatite-like phases. The results showed statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the mechanical properties. The surface hardness of the developed restorative system ranged from 214 HV for the prepared silica to 392 HV for the fluoride-modified specimens. Biomimetic mineralization and fluoride modification increased the shear bond strength to dentin substrates from 9.2 MPa to 21.4 MPa and the wear from 12.8 mg to 3.6 mg, respectively. Acid resistance evaluation also showed that the specimens with fluoride modification had the highest value of hardness retention (92.1%) after acid resistance due to the formation of chemically stable and dense apatite-rich layers on the surface. The functionally graded structure demonstrated a partial biomimetic resemblance to certain hierarchical and functional characteristics of natural dental tissues under in vitro conditions. In vitro studies on bioactivity, mechanical properties, and resistance to acidic environments of the synthesized restorative showed promising results for future dental restoration applications. Full article

Transition metal sulfides are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, but their practical application is limited by severe volume variation and sluggish reaction kinetics during cycling. Inspired by the natural mineral assemblage of seafloor massive sulfides (SMS), FeS₂/CuFeS₂ composite anodes were prepared by a mechanochemical ball-milling method with mass ratios of 9:1 and 7:3 to reflect the major compositional characteristics of SMS. Among them, the 9:1 composite (F9C1) exhibited the best overall electrochemical performance, delivering a reversible capacity of 763.4 mAh g⁻¹ after 300 cycles at 1 C and retaining 46% of its baseline capacity at 5 C. Structural and electrochemical analyses suggested that the introduction of a small amount of CuFeS₂ likely promoted interfacial interactions between FeS₂ and CuFeS₂ phases, reduced charge-transfer resistance, and enhanced pseudocapacitive contribution, while preserving the capacity advantage of the FeS₂ host phase. These results demonstrate that mineral-inspired compositional design is an effective strategy for improving the lithium-storage performance of sulfide anodes and provides a feasible route for developing electrode materials inspired by naturally coexisting sulfide minerals. Full article

Karst bauxites represent important archives of paleoenvironmental conditions and potential sources of REE and other critical raw materials (CRMs). This study presents a multiproxy investigation of the Upper Eocene Mamutovac-1a bauxite deposit (Croatian Dinarides), integrating petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility, whole-rock geochemistry, and aqua regia extractions along a 25.1 m drill core. The deposit shows clear vertical variability defined by four facies-based zones, accompanied by systematic mineralogical and geochemical changes. The bauxite is dominated by böhmite, gibbsite, hematite, and anatase, with subordinate goethite and clay minerals. ΣREE concentrations range from 276 to 670 mg/kg and increase toward the deeper zones, with consistent LREE enrichment relative to HREE, negative Eu anomalies, and variable Ce anomalies. Correlations suggest that REE are likely associated with phosphate phases, with a possible secondary contribution from clay minerals. The integrated dataset indicates a polygenetic, multi-stage evolution involving both in situ bauxitization and episodic reworking and redeposition, controlled by variable redox conditions and fluid–rock interaction. Geochemical signatures suggest a mixed provenance with contributions from intermediate to ultramafic sources. The elevated concentrations and enhanced extractability of selected elements (La, Sc, Ga, V) indicate that the deposit may represent a potential secondary source of CRMs. Full article

Ferritin, a natural cage-like protein, can be applied as a nanomaterial to encapsulate and deliver bioactive ingredients, while challenges remain when using ferritin to deliver multiple bioactive ingredients. In this study, a ferritin–zinc ion–alginate oligosaccharide (AOS) core–shell complex (FZA) and hydrophobic astaxanthin (AST) were applied as the water and oil phase to prepare oil-in-water emulsions simultaneously containing mineral element and hydrophobic AST. The ferritin works as a multicompartment carrier to encapsulate the Zn²⁺ ions and bind with the AOS. This emulsion exhibited smaller particle size and higher apparent viscosity, elastic modulus, and anti-delamination stability. After heat treatment, natural light irradiation, and ultraviolet irradiation, the retention rates of AST in FZA-stabilized emulsion were increased by 23.09%, 18.25%, and 19.24%, respectively, compared with AST dissolved in oil. The release rate of AST in FZA-stabilized emulsion was increased by 26.97% compared with that dissolved in oil in vitro digestion simulation, and release rate of Zn²⁺ ions in FZA-stabilized emulsion improved by 20.38% relative to the control. This study provides experimental evidence for the emulsion stabilized by the AOS and ferritin multi-interface, which achieves dual co-delivery and protection of mineral and hydrophobic molecules. Full article

The need for sustainable and cost-effective thermoelectric materials has brought attention to earth-abundant and mineral compounds, like Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS). In this work, CZTS nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via the sol–gel method using environmentally friendly solvents based on water and ethanol mixtures. The resulting CZTS NPs were then processed into inks through ball milling to produce a thin-film thermoelectric generator (TEG). Structural and microstructural properties were investigated via X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the kesterite CZTS phase upon sintering. The chalcogenide exhibited p-type semiconductor behaviour, with a Seebeck coefficient reaching ~69 µV/K at 385 K. Van-der-Pauw measurements of conductivity confirmed a non-degenerate semiconducting behaviour, achieving ~1.77 S/cm at 323 K. A two-leg CZTS thin-film TEG reaching a maximum power output of 32(3) nW at a ΔT ~160 K was used, measured with a home-made setup. The volume-specific power of the generator reached $4\times {10}^{-4}$μW cm⁻³ K⁻². These results point to an effective use of sol–gel-based techniques to produce a functional thermoelectric generator, providing a costless and environmentally friendly approach to CZTS NPs. Full article

The Guposh an orefield within the western segment of the Nanling Range hosts a globally significant tungsten and tin metallogenic province whose formation is tied to the intense Middle Jurassic granitic magmatism. Nonetheless, critical ambiguities remain regarding the metallogenetic ages and origin of ore-related hydrothermal fluids for W-Sn polymetallic deposits in this orefield. Here, we integrate in situ U-Pb geochronology of monazite and cassiterite and sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite from the Helukou W-Sn polymetallic deposit to resolve this outstanding question. In situ monazite U-Pb geochronology yielded lower intercept ages of 164.4 ± 1.1 Ma and 162.0 ± 2.0 Ma for the fine-grained and medium- to coarse-grained biotite monzogranite phases of the Guposhan pluton, respectively, bracketing its formation during the Middle Jurassic era. The initial ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratio of 0.85 for the monazite grains is within the range of crustal and mantle materials, likely indicating a mantle–crust mixing source for the magma. Cassiterite from skarn-type ores yields a lower intercept U-Pb age of 165.9 ± 3.2 Ma, confirming a genetic relationship between the Guposhan magmatism and Helukou W-Sn mineralization. In situ pyrite δ³⁴S_V-CDT values show a uniform range from −0.66‰ to +0.79‰, indicating a uniform magmatic-derived sulfur source for the ore-forming fluids. We further demonstrate that fluid-rock interaction, rather than fluid mixing, acts as a crucial factor in the ore precipitation of W-Sn metals of the Helukou deposit. Full article

Granites associated with hydrothermal uranium deposits provide critical insights into the processes governing uranium enrichment and mobilization within the continental crust. The Yangjiaonao deposit, situated in the Lujing ore field within the Nanling Metallogenic Belt (South China), is a typical granite-related hydrothermal vein-type uranium deposit. This study presents integrated zircon U-Pb geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, whole-rock Nd isotopes and zircon Hf isotopes for the medium-to-coarse-grained porphyritic biotite (MCB) and medium-to-fine-grained two-mica (MFM) granites from the Yangjiaonao (YJN) granitic pluton. Both units yielded Triassic ages (~235–233 Ma), indicating synchronous emplacement during the Early Mesozoic period. However, they exhibit distinct metallogenic fertilities rooted in their petrogenesis. MCB granite, derived from greywacke-dominated sources, shows typical S-type characteristics, whereas uranium remained mineralogically sequestered in refractory accessory phases (e.g., zircon, monazite) during differentiation, evidenced by high and stable Th/U ratios. Conversely, MFM granite represents L-type peraluminous systems originated from felsic, arkose-like protoliths. Advanced fractionation in the MFM system triggered significant Th-U decoupling, driving Th/U ratios down to ~0.5 and promoting uranium enrichment in the residual melt. This differentiation-driven concentration of ‘leachable’ uranium identifies MFM granite as the primary fertile source for the Yangjiaonao hydrothermal mineralization. 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

Nephrite is a significant jade resource, and systematic investigation of its deposits contributes to regional metallogenic synthesis and exploration targeting. The recently discovered white nephrite deposit in the Dikou area, Fujian Province, remains inadequately characterized. This study presents a comprehensive mineralogical investigation employing polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, X-ray powder diffraction and laser Raman spectroscopy to elucidate the mineralogical and petrochemical characteristics of Dikou nephrite and constrain its genesis. The results demonstrate that tremolite constitutes the predominant mineral phase, accompanied by abundant diopside and quartz, with minor dolomite, prehnite, and apatite. Based on subtle compositional variations, tremolite can be categorized into two generations: early metasomatic Tr-I and late-stage Tr-II. All tremolite samples exhibit Fe-depleted, Mg-enriched composition with Mg# > 0.99. The mineral assemblage and textural relationships record multiple episodes of hydrothermal metasomatism. Integrated with the regional geological constraints, the deposit formation is genetically linked to the Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic ocean–continent transition of the South China Plate and is classified as D-type nephrite. The Dikou nephrite exhibits the mineral assemblage typical of dolomite-related deposits, displaying a distinctive felt-like fibrous texture that yields a homogeneous structure and superior aesthetic quality. Its Fe-depleted composition imparts a notably lighter coloration relative to D-type nephrite from other deposits. This study advances understanding of Dikou nephrite genesis, highlights the diversity of metallogenic environments in Fujian Province, and provides a theoretical framework for exploration of analogous deposits. 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