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21 pages, 6816 KB  
Article
Metallogenic Potential and Ore-Forming Fluid Evolution of the Dadonggou Molybdenum Deposit in Northwest Hebei, China: Geochemical and Isotopic Constraints
by Guanghuo Tao, Deyou Sun, Fenghao Li, Xingkang Zhang, Zhao Feng, Guang Wang and Xiaozhuo Jia
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060635 (registering DOI) - 15 Jun 2026
Abstract
The Dadonggou Mo deposit in Western Hebei, within the Yanshan–Liaoning Mo metallogenic belt, is a newly recognized medium-sized porphyry Mo system. Exploration has delineated 126 orebodies, most of which are blind, with identified resources of ~22,000 t Mo at an average grade of [...] Read more.
The Dadonggou Mo deposit in Western Hebei, within the Yanshan–Liaoning Mo metallogenic belt, is a newly recognized medium-sized porphyry Mo system. Exploration has delineated 126 orebodies, most of which are blind, with identified resources of ~22,000 t Mo at an average grade of 0.071% Mo. Integrated lithogeochemistry, zircon U-Pb chronology, molybdenite Re-Os geochronology, quartz fluid-inclusion microthermometry, and H-O-S isotope analyses constrain the mineralization age, ore-fluid evolution, and sources of ore-forming materials. The zircon U-Pb dating of the ore-bearing granite porphyry and quartz porphyry from the Dadonggou molybdenum deposit yields ages ranging from 135.8 Ma to 141.5 Ma. The low Ti content in zircons indicates that they are super-wet magmatic rocks. The magmatic evolution experienced a change in oxygen fugacity from oxidizing to reducing conditions, which facilitated the initial enrichment of molybdenum. Molybdenite yields a Re-Os isochron age of 135.9 ± 4.0 Ma and a weighted mean model age of 134.2 ± 1.6 Ma, indicating Early Cretaceous mineralization. Ore fluids evolved from an early CO2-H2O-NaCl system with relatively high temperature and salinity to a later H2O-NaCl system with lower temperature and salinity. Isotopic data indicate progressive meteoric-water incorporation into dominantly magmatic fluids. Sulfur isotopes and high Re contents in molybdenite indicate a mixture of mantle magma mixed with some seawater. Lower late-stage trapping pressures record post-ore depressurization and hydrothermal-system shallowing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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19 pages, 5897 KB  
Article
Hydrochemical Characteristics of Low-Temperature Convective Geothermal Fluids in Jiaodong Peninsula
by Meng Shi, Jie Zhang, Pan Ji, Xu Guo, Mingzhi Han, Ying Bai, Fengxin Kang, Zijun Yuan, Lin Yang, Jinhua Zhu, Xiaoqing Ren and Peipei Feng
Symmetry 2026, 18(6), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18061019 (registering DOI) - 13 Jun 2026
Viewed by 66
Abstract
Jiaodong Peninsula is one of the regions with the most abundant medium–low-temperature convective geothermal resources in the eastern coastal area of China. Analyzing geothermal fluid characteristics can help understand its hydrochemical discharge characteristics and renewal capacity, and these characteristics also exhibit distinct geochemical [...] Read more.
Jiaodong Peninsula is one of the regions with the most abundant medium–low-temperature convective geothermal resources in the eastern coastal area of China. Analyzing geothermal fluid characteristics can help understand its hydrochemical discharge characteristics and renewal capacity, and these characteristics also exhibit distinct geochemical symmetry that reflects the genesis and evolution of geothermal systems. In this study, we conducted a water quality analysis of 15 natural hot spring geothermal fluids, as well as their adjacent bedrock and Quaternary water, in the Jiaodong Peninsula. We measured deuterium and oxygen isotopes, and the γ Na/γ Cl and γ SO4/γ Cl ratios of geothermal fluids, focusing on the geochemical symmetry of these indicators to reveal the evolutionary rules of geothermal fluids. The hydrochemical types of geothermal fluids in the Jiaodong Peninsula included Cl–Na, Cl–Na·Ca, HCO3·SO4–Na, and SO4·HCO3–Na, with mineralization degrees of 0.45–7.68 g/L and pH values of 7.3–8.63. The geothermal fluid primarily originated from the infiltration recharge of atmospheric rainfall and had no hydraulic connection with the shallow Quaternary water and adjacent bedrock water near the geothermal field. The geothermal fluid in the study area had not yet reached water–rock equilibrium. For geothermal fields with higher γ Na/γ Cl and γ SO4/γ Cl ratios, the corresponding geothermal fluid circulation depth was relatively shallow, indicating a poorly sealed hydrodynamic environment with strong renewal capacity, where the geothermal fluid is in a continuous supply–runoff–discharge process. The γ Na/γ Cl and γ SO4/γ Cl ratios of some geothermal fields were close to those of seawater; this symmetric difference was caused by the large circulation depth and long residence period of the geothermal fluid, which had experienced a high degree of decarbonization. Our findings on the hydrochemical characteristics and geochemical symmetry of medium–low-temperature geothermal fluids in the Jiaodong Peninsula will help deepen the understanding of the formation and evolutionary mechanism of this type of geothermal resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Engineering and Materials)
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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
Viewed by 144
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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35 pages, 9033 KB  
Article
Geochemical and Mineralogical Evolution of a Hydrologically Dynamic Mixed Carbonate–Siliciclastic Lacustrine System: Insights from the Late Miocene–Pliocene Alagöz Formation (Central Anatolia)
by Elif Akiska
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 580; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060580 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 500
Abstract
Marginal lacustrine systems are highly sensitive archives of hydrological fluctuations, climatic variability, and changes in sediment supply in continental basins. The Alagöz Formation (Late Miocene–Pliocene) exposed in the Haymana–Polatlı Basin, Central Anatolia, was investigated through integrated sedimentological, mineralogical, geochemical, and stable isotope analyses [...] Read more.
Marginal lacustrine systems are highly sensitive archives of hydrological fluctuations, climatic variability, and changes in sediment supply in continental basins. The Alagöz Formation (Late Miocene–Pliocene) exposed in the Haymana–Polatlı Basin, Central Anatolia, was investigated through integrated sedimentological, mineralogical, geochemical, and stable isotope analyses to constrain provenance, weathering history, and lacustrine hydrological variability. Facies analysis reveals a transition from alluvial–fluvial systems to a shallow marginal lacustrine environment subjected to short-term hydrological fluctuations. Mineralogical and geochemical data indicate that sedimentation occurred within a mixed carbonate–siliciclastic lacustrine system controlled by variable lake-water chemistry. Detrital mineral assemblages indicate contributions from metamorphic source rocks. Trace-element and REE signatures suggest derivation mainly from felsic-to-intermediate continental sources. Reworked carbonate fragments and fossil debris indicate recycling of older carbonate units. The occurrence of calcite, dolomite, and protodolomite reflects variable Mg/Ca ratios, whereas clay mineral assemblages record shifts between detrital input during relatively humid phases and chemically concentrated conditions. Palygorskite occurrence indicates localized and episodic alkaline conditions associated with short-lived evaporative concentration. Weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA, and ICV) suggest low-to-moderate chemical weathering and compositionally immature sediments, consistent with transitional humid to semi-arid climatic conditions. Trace-element systematics also indicate a minor mafic contribution to the detrital source. Stable isotope values (δ13C: −7.05‰ to +2.82‰; δ18O: −8.60‰ to −2.94‰ VPDB) and their weak correlation (r = 0.34) support a shallow, hydrologically dynamic lacustrine system dominated by freshwater input but episodically influenced by evaporative concentration. Taken together, the Alagöz Formation records a sensitive marginal lacustrine system shaped by short-term hydrological fluctuations. These findings provide a useful analog for understanding hydrologically sensitive marginal lacustrine systems developed in post-collisional continental basins under fluctuating semi-arid climatic conditions. Full article
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24 pages, 15341 KB  
Article
Ore Genesis of the Shizui Cu-Pb-Zn Deposit in Central Jilin Province, NE China: Constraints from Geology, Fluid Inclusions, H–O Isotopes Studies
by Zhibo Ge, Wenqiang Bai, Haoran Li, Yunsheng Ren, Chan Li, Bin Wang, Haozhe Li, Sitong Chen and Qun Yang
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060579 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 317
Abstract
The Shizui Cu–Pb–Zn deposit is located in central Jilin Province. It sits at the tectonic junction between the eastern Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB) and the northeastern North China Craton (NCC). This is the first discovered Paleozoic Cu-polymetallic deposit in the region. Our study [...] Read more.
The Shizui Cu–Pb–Zn deposit is located in central Jilin Province. It sits at the tectonic junction between the eastern Xing’an–Mongolia Orogenic Belt (XMOB) and the northeastern North China Craton (NCC). This is the first discovered Paleozoic Cu-polymetallic deposit in the region. Our study combines detailed geological investigation with systematic fluid inclusion analysis. We analyzed samples from four distinct paragenetic stages. Analytical methods include microthermometry, laser Raman spectroscopy, and hydrogen-oxygen isotope analysis. These data constrain the source, evolution, and precipitation mechanisms of the ore-forming fluids. The results delineate a clear evolutionary path: the ore-forming fluid originated as a high-temperature (346–437 °C), high-salinity (up to 51.68 wt.% NaCl equiv.) NaCl–H2O–CO2 system during the early quartz-sulfide stage (Stage I, Quartz ± Arsenopyrite ± Pyrite Stage), as evidenced by the coeval presence of high-salinity S-type and CO2-rich C-type inclusions, indicating fluid immiscibility. The fluid then evolved into a boiling, medium temperature to high temperature (262–355 °C), high-salinity NaCl–H2O system during the later part of early quartz-sulfide stage (Stage II, Quartz-Cu Polymetallic Sulfide Stage), a transition marked by the common coexistence of liquid-rich (L-type) and vapor-rich (V-type) inclusions with similar homogenization temperatures. This phase separation (boiling) served as the primary trigger for the massive deposition of chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and pyrite. Subsequently, the system cooled and diluted, transforming into a medium- to low-temperature (182–275 °C), low-salinity, partially homogeneous NaCl–H2O system in the late quartz-sulfide stage (Stage III, Quartz-Pb-Zn Polymetallic Sulfide Stage). Finally, in the quartz-carbonate stage (Stage IV, Quartz-Carbonate Stage), the fluid temperature further decreased, resulting in a low-temperature (128–211 °C), low-salinity, homogeneous NaCl–H2O system. Hydrogen-oxygen isotope data show that the calculated δ18OH2O values decreased from +6.6‰ to +6.7‰ in Stage I to +3.4‰ to +3.9‰ in Stage II, and further to −0.4‰ in Stage III, while the δD values shifted from −91.6‰ to −90.6‰, to −94.4‰ to −94.2‰, and finally to −95.7‰. This trend indicates that the initial magmatic fluid progressively mixed with meteoric water. The geological characteristics, spatial association with Hercynian biotite monzogranite, developed skarn alteration, and the documented fluid evolution trajectory collectively affirm that the Shizui deposit is a typical skarn-type system. The deposit shares significant similarities in mineralization conditions, age, and tectonic setting with the skarn-type Tianbaoshan Pb–Zn–Cu–Mo deposits in the western segment of the XarMoron–Changchun Metallogenic Belt (XCMB). This correlation strongly suggests that the Paleozoic XCMB extends eastward and holds considerable potential for the discovery of late Paleozoic skarn-type Cu-polymetallic deposits in its eastern part. Full article
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17 pages, 5430 KB  
Article
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Potash Formation Indications of Subsurface Brine in the Central Bachu Uplift, Tarim Basin
by Wenbin Hou, Xinzhong Zhan, Yu Zhou, Chenglin Liu, Junyang Li, Hao Lin, Fojun Yao and Songyuang Zhang
Water 2026, 18(11), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18111284 - 26 May 2026
Viewed by 300
Abstract
In recent years, the distribution of potassium salt resources in the Central Asia–Tarim Basin salt lake chain has shown an asymmetric pattern, and exploration efforts in the northwestern Tarim Basin have not seen significant progress. This study focuses on the central Bachu Uplift [...] Read more.
In recent years, the distribution of potassium salt resources in the Central Asia–Tarim Basin salt lake chain has shown an asymmetric pattern, and exploration efforts in the northwestern Tarim Basin have not seen significant progress. This study focuses on the central Bachu Uplift within the Central Asia–Tarim Basin salt lake chain. The characteristics of subsurface brines and indicators of potash formation are investigated. By examining various potassium exploration indices, such as the potassium–chlorine coefficient and magnesium–chlorine coefficient, along with comprehensive analysis of hydrogen–oxygen, sulfur, and strontium isotopes, this research serves to evaluate the potential for potash formation in the central Bachu Uplift. Analysis shows a brine salinity of 12.69–88.46 g/L and a potassium concentration of 0.07–0.65 g/L. The hydrochemical coefficients indicate a high nNa/nCl value, with low K × 103/Cl values. All brine samples plot within the halite phase field of the 25 °C Na+,K+,Mg2+//C1-H2O Quaternary metastable phase diagram, clustering towards the Na-rich end. This indicates that the brine likely originated from halite dissolution. In the Na+,K+,Mg2+//C1,SO42−-H2O Quinary metastable phase diagram, the majority of samples project within the mirabilite phase field, trending toward the sylvite field. This suggests that the shallow subsurface brine may still be in the early to middle stages of sylvite deposition. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes indicate that the brine samples were influenced by water–rock interaction and strong evaporative concentration; strontium isotopes reveal their marine–continental transitional characteristics; and sulfur isotopes suggest that the sulfur in the samples was derived from the weathering of Meso-Cenozoic gypsum in the western Tarim Basin. This integrated evidence implies that the brines in the central Bachu Uplift contain a deep-seated potassium anomaly, with fault zones likely conveying information about deep potash resources. This provides preliminary evidence for potassium exploration in the area and holds significant indicative value for identifying key prospective targets. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)
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13 pages, 5273 KB  
Review
Stable Isotopes as Tracers of Sources and Migration of High-Fluoride Groundwater: A Review
by Zhuo Zhang, Zhen Wang and Narsimha Adimalla
Water 2026, 18(11), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18111269 - 24 May 2026
Viewed by 599
Abstract
High-fluoride (F) groundwater is a widespread environmental problem that poses significant risks to human health in many regions worldwide. Understanding the origin, circulation, and evolution of fluoride-rich groundwater is therefore essential for effective groundwater management and mitigation strategies. In recent years, [...] Read more.
High-fluoride (F) groundwater is a widespread environmental problem that poses significant risks to human health in many regions worldwide. Understanding the origin, circulation, and evolution of fluoride-rich groundwater is therefore essential for effective groundwater management and mitigation strategies. In recent years, stable isotope techniques have helped to address key gaps in understanding the hydrogeochemical processes governing F enrichment, particularly regarding the source identification and water-rock interaction mechanisms that remain poorly constrained. This study reviews the applications of hydrogen–oxygen, strontium–calcium, and lithium–boron isotopes in research on high-F groundwater systems. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (δ2H and δ18O) are widely used to identify groundwater recharge sources, mixing processes, and evaporative effects, thereby providing key constraints on the origin of fluoride-rich groundwater. Strontium and calcium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr and δ44/40Ca) serve as effective tracers of water-rock interactions and associated hydrogeochemical processes, including mineral weathering and dissolution, cation exchange, and secondary mineral precipitation, which play critical roles in fluoride mobilization and enrichment. In addition, lithium, and boron isotopes (δ7Li and δ11B) provide valuable insights into the influence of geothermal fluids and deep hydrothermal processes on fluoride accumulation in groundwater systems. Overall, the integrated application of these stable isotope systems offers a robust framework for elucidating the formation mechanisms and evolutionary pathways of high-F groundwater. Moving beyond qualitative source identification, future research should prioritize the development of Bayesian isotope mixing models that explicitly quantify uncertainty in fluoride source apportionment and utilize sensitivity analysis to test competing hydrogeochemical mechanisms. Full article
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23 pages, 23471 KB  
Article
Disentangling Primary Climatic Signals from Burial Diagenetic Overprints in Tibetan Paleosols Using Clumped and Triple Oxygen Isotopes
by Jiayao Li, Shuning Li, Lijuan Sha, Ruiyao Zhang, Chunju Huang and Yong-Fei Zheng
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060560 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Paleosol carbonate nodules may preserve environmental information despite later burial alteration, yet disentangling original signals from diagenetic overprints remains a central challenge. Here we apply paired clumped and triple oxygen isotope analyses (Δ47–Δ’17O) to microsampled Eocene paleosol carbonates from [...] Read more.
Paleosol carbonate nodules may preserve environmental information despite later burial alteration, yet disentangling original signals from diagenetic overprints remains a central challenge. Here we apply paired clumped and triple oxygen isotope analyses (Δ47–Δ’17O) to microsampled Eocene paleosol carbonates from the Gonjo Basin, southeastern Tibet. Intra-nodule TΔ47 values of 9–58 °C define a spectrum of microscale thermal heterogeneity, spanning lower-temperature to more strongly burial-modified domains. In contrast, carbonate Δ’17O does not vary systematically with TΔ47 (R2 < 0.6), whereas reconstructed diagenetic-water compositions (δ18Ow and Δ’17Ow) covary with TΔ47, suggesting progressive fluid–rock exchange during burial. Together with petrographic and geochemical observations, these data are most consistent with fluid-limited, rock-buffered recrystallization at low-water–rock ratios, with modeled solutions for most micritic domains falling at W/R < 0.05. Reconstructed Δ’17Ow values of diagenetic fluids range from −77 to −27 per meg, consistent with interaction with isotopically evolved meteoric waters and plausibly reflecting prior evaporative modification, although alternative fluid histories cannot be fully excluded. Rather than fully erasing environmental information, burial recrystallization in these carbonates appears to preserve a quantifiable record of fluid–rock interaction and hydroclimatic conditions. Our results show that paired Δ47–Δ’17O approach can help distinguish lower-temperature domains from more strongly burial-modified domains and trace diagenetic fluid evolution in ancient terrestrial carbonates. Full article
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25 pages, 24157 KB  
Article
Source and Evolution of Ore-Forming Fluids in the Dulanggou Gold Deposit, Danba, Sichuan, China: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and C–H–O Isotopes
by Yan Zhang, Bing Chen, Xiang Lai, Yangyan Xiang, Cuihua Chen, Ying Gu, Haoyang Xiao, Hesen Zhao, Yulong Yang, Mengyi Qiao, Haijun Zhang, Wenbin Cheng, Chaofei Luo, Yaru Zhang, Qiang Wang and Kaijun Yang
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050523 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 208
Abstract
The Danba–Dadu River gold belt on the western Yangtze Craton margin is a major gold province in China. The Dulanggou gold deposit is a large quartz-vein-type deposit recently discovered in this belt. Ore bodies are fault-controlled veins hosted in high-grade metamorphic rocks of [...] Read more.
The Danba–Dadu River gold belt on the western Yangtze Craton margin is a major gold province in China. The Dulanggou gold deposit is a large quartz-vein-type deposit recently discovered in this belt. Ore bodies are fault-controlled veins hosted in high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Devonian Weiguan Formation. Mineralization includes three stages: early (quartz–minor sulfide), main (quartz–abundant sulfide–native gold–Te–Bi minerals), and late (quartz–minor sulfide–calcite). Fluid inclusion studies show the following. Early-stage inclusions are mainly CO2–H2O-type (homogenization temperature 307–388 °C, salinity 0.4–7.1 wt.% NaCl eqv.) with minor NaCl–H2O-type. Main-stage inclusions are dominated by CO2–H2O and NaCl–H2O types, with minor pure CO2 inclusions (homogenization temperature 207–307 °C, salinity 0.2–11.2 wt.% NaCl eqv.). Late-stage inclusions are mainly NaCl–H2O-type (168–223 °C, 4.6–10.1 wt.% NaCl eqv.). Laser Raman analysis detects CH4 in the fluid. The ore-forming fluid is a reducing, medium–low temperature, low-salinity H2O–CO2–NaCl–CH4 system. Thermodynamic calculations of CO2–H2O inclusions yield total densities of 0.94–1.03 g/cm3 and total homogenization pressures of 170–276 MPa for the early stage, and slightly lower densities (0.94–1.01 g/cm3) with pressures of 170–246 MPa for the main stage, indicating a progressive pressure decrease during fluid evolution. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (early stage: δD −96.4‰ to −78.9‰, δ18OH2O 6.1‰ to 6.5‰; main stage: δD −104.3‰ to −75.1‰, δ18OH2O 5.3‰ to 7.1‰) indicate that the ore-forming fluid was mainly derived from primary magmatic water. Immiscible CO2–H2O and NaCl–H2O inclusion assemblages in the main stage suggest that fluid immiscibility was the key mechanism for gold precipitation. The Dulanggou deposit resembles classic orogenic gold deposits in host rocks, ore-controlling structures, mineral assemblages, and low-salinity CO2-rich fluids. However, its H–O isotopes and thermodynamic data point to a magmatic water source, distinct from the metamorphic water source of typical orogenic gold deposits. This highlights the diversity of fluid sources in orogenic gold systems along the western Yangtze Craton margin. Full article
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24 pages, 5412 KB  
Article
Nitrate Source Apportionment and Nitrogen Export Characteristics of Spring Water in a Dolomite Karst World Heritage Site: A Tracing Study Based on Nitrogen and Oxygen Isotopes
by Jinglin Mo, Xiaoxi Lyu, Shulin Jiao, Chenyi Zhu and Dongnan Wang
Sustainability 2026, 18(10), 4939; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18104939 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 167
Abstract
This study investigated spring water in the core area and buffer zone of the Shibing Dolomite Karst World Heritage Site using one-year monthly monitoring, hydrochemistry, nitrate dual isotopes, and the MixSIAR model. The buffer zone spring exhibits shallow fissure-conduit flow with rapid hydrological [...] Read more.
This study investigated spring water in the core area and buffer zone of the Shibing Dolomite Karst World Heritage Site using one-year monthly monitoring, hydrochemistry, nitrate dual isotopes, and the MixSIAR model. The buffer zone spring exhibits shallow fissure-conduit flow with rapid hydrological response, anthropogenic nitrate dominance (>62%), nitrification as the main process, and limited denitrification. Its nitrate concentration shows seasonal peaks. In contrast, the core area spring is recharged by deep fissure water, with natural nitrate sources (>80%), stable nitrate levels (5–7.4 mg/L), and potential local denitrification. Nitrogen export in the buffer zone increases 4.5 times in the rainy season (NO3 accounting for 93% of TN). The core area shows higher TN export flux per unit area (3.34 vs. 0.4 g/m2/a) and greater DON proportion. Nitrogen export far exceeds that from rocky desertified areas, suggesting that dissolved nitrogen leaching drives karst rocky desertification evolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Water Management)
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12 pages, 1108 KB  
Review
Can Neutron-Capture Products Constrain the Origin of Life on Earth?
by Katherine R. Bermingham and Bradley S. Meyer
Galaxies 2026, 14(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies14030044 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Neutron-capture products, such as molybdenum (Mo) isotopes, are an important tool that cosmochemists use to constrain the stellar precursors of the Solar System and, potentially, the origin of life on Earth. Using high-precision Mo isotope data from meteorites and terrestrial samples, studies have [...] Read more.
Neutron-capture products, such as molybdenum (Mo) isotopes, are an important tool that cosmochemists use to constrain the stellar precursors of the Solar System and, potentially, the origin of life on Earth. Using high-precision Mo isotope data from meteorites and terrestrial samples, studies have attempted to reconstruct Earth’s formation by linking its composition to material sourced from various heliocentric distances. Debate, however, persists about the nature of Earth’s late-stage building blocks that accreted around the time the Moon formed and whether they delivered life-essential elements (i.e., carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur; CHNOPS), which are presumed to be more prevalent in the outer Solar System. Initially, it was proposed that the Moon-forming event involved the addition of material from both the inner and outer Solar System, thereby providing a mechanism for the delivery of a significant portion of life-bearing elements late in Earth’s formation. Recent advancements in analytical chemistry and their application to a wider range of samples than previously studied, however, led to a revised constraint: the Moon-forming event was dominated by inner Solar System material that was less enriched in CHNOPS, thereby relaxing the requirement for the delivery of a consequential amount of life-bearing elements late in Earth’s formation. A review of analytical approaches and findings is presented here to highlight the utility of neutron-capture products in constraining the origin of life on Earth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neutron Capture Processes in the Universe)
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24 pages, 8774 KB  
Article
Development of an Intelligent Identification Model for Mine Water Inrush Sources in Karst Mining Areas Based on Multi-Source Data Fusion and a KPCA-ISSA-SVM Framework
by Xiang He, Xun Zhou, Zheming Shi, Fengji Yang, Boqiang Xue, Tong Zhang, Xuelan Dong and Chao Yang
Water 2026, 18(10), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18101122 - 8 May 2026
Viewed by 504
Abstract
To address the challenges of identifying mine water inrush sources and the low efficiency of risk control under complex karst hydrogeological conditions in the Beiya Gold Mine, Yunnan, this study proposes an intelligent identification model integrating nonlinear feature extraction and intelligent parameter optimization. [...] Read more.
To address the challenges of identifying mine water inrush sources and the low efficiency of risk control under complex karst hydrogeological conditions in the Beiya Gold Mine, Yunnan, this study proposes an intelligent identification model integrating nonlinear feature extraction and intelligent parameter optimization. Utilizing 42 sets of measured water samples (comprising karst springs, surface water, and solution caves), a coupling identification model was constructed based on 11-dimensional features including hydrochemical indices and hydrogen–oxygen isotopes. The model employs Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) to extract discriminative low-dimensional features from nonlinear data, while the critical parameters of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) are optimized via an Improved Sparrow Search Algorithm (ISSA) to enhance generalization performance. The results demonstrate that the following: (1) the proposed model achieves an identification accuracy of 91.7% on the independent test set, significantly outperforming benchmark models such as RF and standard SVM; (2) three sets of comparative experiments indicate that the fusion of multi-source features yields superior identification performance compared to single-source inputs; and (3) SHAP (shapley additive explanation) interpretability analysis reveals that HCO3, Mg2+, Ca2+, and F are the core discriminative factors, with their contribution patterns aligning closely with the hydrogeochemical evolution mechanisms of the mining area. This model achieves a synergy between high-precision identification and mechanical interpretability, providing reliable technical support for water disaster prevention in karst mining areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Water-Soil Pollution Control and Environmental Management)
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22 pages, 7911 KB  
Article
Genesis of the Wuyi Pb Deposit, SW China: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and C-H-O-S-Pb Isotopes
by Jimin Cai, Jiahui Li, Wenbin Cheng, Wenli Xu, Bo Li, Xinghai Lang, Cuihua Chen, Yiwei Peng and Lei Peng
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050487 - 6 May 2026
Viewed by 287
Abstract
The Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) metallogenic belt hosts numerous carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits, yet the genesis of lead-dominated deposits remains poorly understood. This study investigates the Wuyi Pb deposit, a representative lead-dominated deposit in the SYG belt, through an integrated approach including field geology, fluid inclusion [...] Read more.
The Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) metallogenic belt hosts numerous carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits, yet the genesis of lead-dominated deposits remains poorly understood. This study investigates the Wuyi Pb deposit, a representative lead-dominated deposit in the SYG belt, through an integrated approach including field geology, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and C-H-O-S-Pb isotope geochemistry. The ore bodies occur as stratoid and lenticular lenses within the dolomitic limestone of the Ordovician Dajing Formation, controlled by both lithology and the Wuyi composite fold structure. Mineralization is divided into two stages: (I) pyrite–sphalerite–dolomite–calcite, and (II) galena–calcite–quartz–anhydrite. Fluid inclusion studies reveal that the ore-forming fluids are of the NaCl-H2O system, characterized by moderate-low temperatures (Stage II, average 201 °C) and moderate-low salinities (Stage II, average 5.35 wt% NaCl eq.). Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (δD = −100.97 to −76.33‰; δ18Ofluid = 7.09 to 12.10‰) indicate that the ore-forming fluids were predominantly meteoric in origin. Carbon isotopes (δ13C = −4.45 to 0.75‰) suggest that carbon was derived mainly from dissolution of the host carbonate rocks. Sulfur isotopes show a significant shift from Stage I (δ34S = −12.40 to −3.00‰) to Stage II (δ34S = −8.20 to −0.10‰ for sulfides; 25.00–29.40‰ for sulfates), indicating a transition from bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) to thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) as the dominant sulfur reduction mechanism, with sulfur derived from Ordovician seawater sulfate. Lead isotopes (206Pb/204Pb = 18.10–25.37, 207Pb/204Pb = 15.50–21.72, 208Pb/204Pb = 38.29–53.90; μ = 9.30–21.05) demonstrate that metals were sourced predominantly from the Proterozoic basement rocks (Kunyang and Huili groups). Integration of geological, geochemical, and isotopic evidence indicates that the Wuyi Pb deposit formed during the Indosinian post-collisional intracontinental orogeny (ca. 230–200 Ma), when topography-driven meteoric water circulation extracted metals from the Precambrian basement and sulfur from Ordovician strata. Metal precipitation under the reduced sulfur model is caused by decreases in temperature and pressure and the water–rock reaction. This study establishes the Wuyi deposit as an MVT Pb deposit and provides a genetic model for lead-dominated mineralization in the SYG belt. Full article
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15 pages, 5026 KB  
Article
Isoscape of Oxygen Stable Isotopes in Woods of the Amazon
by Ana Claudia Gama Batista, Maria Gabriella da Silva Araújo, Isabela Maria Souza-Silva, Deoclécio Jardim Amorim, Fabiana Cristina Fracassi Adorno, Gabriela Bielefeld Nardoto, Vladimir Eliodoro Costa, Mario Tomazello-Filho, Niro Higuchi, Perseu da Silva Aparicio, Yasmin Lara Bezerra Vieira da Silva, Marta Silvana Volpato Sccoti, Ana Carolina Barbosa, Fabio José Viana Costa, João Paulo Sena-Souza, Gabriel J. Bowen and Luiz Antonio Martinelli
Molecules 2026, 31(9), 1542; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31091542 - 6 May 2026
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Abstract
Stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) in wood provide integrative records of plant water use and regional hydroclimatic processes, offering a powerful framework for spatial ecological analysis in tropical forests. Here, we present the first regional-scale δ18O isoscapes for Amazonian [...] Read more.
Stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) in wood provide integrative records of plant water use and regional hydroclimatic processes, offering a powerful framework for spatial ecological analysis in tropical forests. Here, we present the first regional-scale δ18O isoscapes for Amazonian wood based on 387 trees sampled across 25 sites. After α-cellulose extraction, δ18O values were modeled using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Random Forest (RF) approaches. A Moran’s I test revealed no significant spatial autocorrelation (p = 0.73), indicating that geostatistical interpolation methods such as kriging were not appropriate for this dataset. The MLR model based on site-average data achieved an R2 of 0.70, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.56‰ and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.68‰. The RF model showed comparable performance (R2 = 0.67; MAE = 0.64‰; RMSE = 0.77‰). Both approaches reproduced a coherent southeast-to-northwest gradient, with lower δ18O values in the western Amazon and higher values in the east, consistent with regional patterns in precipitation isotopic composition and evapotranspiration. These findings demonstrate that climate-driven statistical modeling effectively captures large-scale isotopic structure across the Amazon basin, providing a robust spatial representation of δ18O variability in tropical forest wood. Full article
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16 pages, 11146 KB  
Article
Genesis of the Longkou Gold Deposit in the Northeastern Jiaolai Basin: Constraints from Sericite Rb-Sr Geochronology and Pyrite Geochemistry
by Jin-Shuai Zhang, Hao-Cheng Yu, Guo-Long Yan, Ming Ma, Tao Cui, Ya-Peng Li, Lian-Yuan Qin and Chun-Ting Xu
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050485 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Whether the genesis of gold deposits in the Northeastern Jiaolai Basin is consistent with that in the Northwestern Jiaodong area remains controversial. This study presents in situ Rb-Sr dating of sericite, along with in situ trace element and sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite [...] Read more.
Whether the genesis of gold deposits in the Northeastern Jiaolai Basin is consistent with that in the Northwestern Jiaodong area remains controversial. This study presents in situ Rb-Sr dating of sericite, along with in situ trace element and sulfur isotope analyses of pyrite in the Longkou gold deposit. The sericite Rb-Sr inverse isochron yields an age of 120.9 ± 2.4 Ma, indicating that gold mineralization occurred in the Early Cretaceous. Two generations of pyrite, Py1 and Py2, were identified. Py1 is anhedral and hosted in relatively low-grade, weakly altered marble wall rock. Py2 is euhedral to subhedral and hosted in relatively high-grade, strongly altered marble ore. The δ34S value of Py1 is 7.38‰, whereas that of Py2 is 6.79‰. The decrease in δ34S values from Py1 to Py2 reflects an increase in the oxygen fugacity of the ore-forming system. These features suggest that fluid–rock interaction led to an increase in oxygen fugacity, thereby triggering gold precipitation. The mineralization age and precipitation mechanism of the Longkou gold deposit are consistent with those of the Northwestern Jiaodong area. The Longkou gold deposit is best classified as a Jiaodong-type gold deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gold–Polymetallic Deposits in Convergent Margins)
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