Acta Geochimica最新文献

Perchlorate and chlorate are present in various extraterrestrial celestial bodies throughout the solar system, such as Mars, the moon, and asteroids. To date, the origin mechanisms of perchlorate and chlorate on the Martian surface have been well-established; however, relatively little attention has been cast to airless bodies. Here, we experimentally investigated the potential oxidation mechanisms of chloride to chlorate and perchlorate, such as ultraviolet irradiation under H₂O- and O₂-free conditions and mechanical pulverization processes. Individual minerals, olivine, pyroxene, ilmenite, magnetite, TiO₂ and anhydrous ferric sulfate, and lunar regolith simulants (low Ti, CLRS-1; high-Ti, CLRS-2) and their metallic iron (Fe⁰) bearing counterparts were examined. We found that pulverization of dry matrix material-halite mixtures, even in the presence of O₂, does not necessarily lead to perchlorate and chlorate formation without involving water. Under photocatalytic and H₂O- and O₂-free conditions, olivine and pyroxene can produce oxychlorine (ClO_x⁻) species, although the yields were orders of magnitude lower than those under Martian-relevant conditions. Nanophase-Fe⁰ particles in the lunar regolith and the common photocatalyst TiO₂ can facilitate the ClO_x⁻ formation, but their yields were lower than those with olivine. The oxides ilmenite and magnetite did not efficiently contribute to ClO_x⁻ production. Our results highlight the critical role of H₂O in the oxidation chloride to chlorate and perchlorate, and provide essential insights into the environmental influence on the formation of oxychlorine species on different celestial bodies.

Research on the origin of carbonates in Changdu Basin holds significant importance for understanding the regional potash formation model. Based on a comprehensive review of previous studies, field geological surveys, and laboratory investigations, this study analyzes the origin and properties of carbonates within the context of regional potash formation. Petrographic studies show that magnesite deposits, with the characteristics of sedimentary origin. The results of elemental geochemical analysis show that the carbonates in this area were formed in the sedimentary environment via evaporation followed by concentration, and the formation of magnesite was possibly caused by the substitution of calcium in the dolomite with magnesium-rich brine. The δ¹³C values of carbonats in the study area are between 5.9‰ and 9.1‰. The δ¹⁸O values of magnesite samples range from − 7.3‰ to − 1.3‰, and the δ¹⁸O values of dolomites range from − 10.3‰ to − 8.4‰. All the calculated Z values of oxygen isotopes of carbonates greater than 120. A comprehensive analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopes indicates that the magnesite was formed in a highly concentrated Marine sedimentary environment and does not show any relation with the metasomatism of hydrothermal fluids. The results on the correlation of magnesite with seawater and its sedimentary origin provide key information for explaining the migration direction of brine between the Changdu and Lanping–Simao Basins. The residual metamorphic seawater in the Changdu Basin migrated to the Lanping–Simao Basin, where potash underwent deposition. Whereas, magnesite and dolomite in the early stage of potash formation were left in the Changdu Basin.

Chemical (REE and major elements) and isotope (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O) composition of carbonate manganese ores and manganese-bearing carbonates of the Usa deposit (Siberia, Russia) were studied. Received data on the composition of REE exhibit both the distinct negative (Ce/Ce*_PAAS < 1) and positive (Ce/Ce*_PAAS˃1) cerium anomalies and the positive Eu-anomaly (Eu/Eu*_PAAS˃1). Negative Eu-anomalies are not observed. The contents of Mn, Fe, REE, and Ce-anomalies show a positive correlation with each other. Ce-anomalies and the amount of manganese and REE in relation to the carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) show a negative relationship and indicate that oxidized carbon of organic matter played an important role in the concentration of manganese and REE in manganese ores. The chemical and isotope composition of examined rocks indicates on secondary formation of Mn-ores. Two major phases and sources are distinguished in the ore-forming process characterized by different chemical (REE and ore elements) and isotope composition: (i) high-grade manganese ores (with high contents of REE and light carbon isotope composition) and (ii) low-grade manganese ores (with low contents of REE and heavy carbon isotope composition).

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) paddies are increasingly threatened by cadmium (Cd) pollution, and potentially serve as CH₄ emitters to the atmosphere. Remediation agents widely mitigate Cd pollution in paddy soil, however, we know little about their regulations on CH₄ emission. Here, via adding biochar (B), sulfhydryl-modified palygorskite (SMP), and selenium foliar fertilizer (SFF), we conducted a pot experiment to investigate soil and rice Cd contents together with in-situ CH₄ fluxes. Compared to CK, the addition of SMP, SFF, and B-SMP reduced Cd in brown rice by 25% to 50%, 25%, and 50% to 75%, respectively. Agents 7% B, 7% B-0.01% SMP, and SFF reduced CH₄ emissions by 8.46%, 5.30%, and 4.11%, respectively. CH₄ emission increased gradually along the growing season, with the cumulative CH₄ fluxes ranging between 338.82 and 619.13 kg hm⁻². Our results highlight that mixed 7% B-0.01% SMP and SFF showed collaborative effects on Cd remediation and CH₄ emission. This study reveals the feasibility of reducing Cd pollution and CH₄ emission in karst rice paddies, which hopes to supplement the knowledge of collaborative controls on soil remediation and carbon emission.

Copper possesses very strong chacophile properties, but under the conditions found in meteorites, its behavior is like that of siderophile elements. The Suizhou meteorite is a highly shocked L6 chondrite. Troilite and taenite are considered the main primary carrier of copper in this meteorite, and the post-shock thermal episode is considered the main reason that elemental Cu migrates from its original host phase and forms metallic grains. The Suizhou meteorite contains a few very thin shock melt veins. The occurrence and behavior of metallic copper in this meteorite were studied by optical microscopic examination, electron microprobe analyses, and high-resolution X-ray elemental intensity mapping. Our results show that metallic copper is abundant in the Suizhou chondritic rock. Metallic copper grains adjacent to small troilite grains inside FeNi metal are the most common occurrence, and those at the FeNi metal–troilite interface are the second most common case. The metallic copper grains occurring at the interface of FeNi metal/troililte and silicate are rather rare. Metallic copper grains are not observed within the Suizhou shock veins, Instead, Cu in elemental form is transferred through shock metamorphism into FeNi metal + troilite intergrowths. Four different occurrence types of Cu in the FeNi metal + troilite intergrowths have been identified: the concentrations of Cu in the FeNi + FeS intergrowths for four occurrence types are rather close, we estimate it might be lower than 1 wt%.

Space weathering is a primary factor in altering the composition and spectral characteristics of surface materials on airless planets. However, current research on space weathering focuses mainly on the Moon and certain types of asteroids. In particular, the impacts of meteoroids and micrometeoroids, radiation from solar wind/solar flares/cosmic rays, and thermal fatigue due to temperature variations are being studied. Space weathering produces various transformation products such as melted glass, amorphous layers, iron particles, vesicles, and solar wind water. These in turn lead to soil maturation, changes in visible and near-infrared reflectance spectra (weakening of characteristic absorption peaks, decreased reflectance, increased near-infrared slope), and alterations in magnetism (related to small iron particles), collectively termed the “lunar model” of space weathering transformation. Compared to the Moon and asteroids, Mercury has unique spatial environmental characteristics, including more intense meteoroid impacts and solar thermal radiation, as well as a weaker particle radiation environment due to the global distribution of its magnetic field. Therefore, the lunar model of space weathering may not apply to Mercury. Previous studies have extensively explored the effects of micrometeoroid impacts. Hence, this work focuses on the effects of solar-wind particle radiation in global magnetic-field distribution and on the weathering transformation of surface materials on Mercury under prolonged intense solar irradiation. Through the utilization of high-valence state, heavy ion implantation, and vacuum heating simulation experiments, this paper primarily investigates the weathering transformation characteristics of the major mineral components such as anorthite, pyroxene, and olivine on Mercury's surface and compares them to the weathering transformation model of the Moon. The experimental results indicate that ion implantation at room temperature is insufficient to generate np-Fe⁰ directly but can facilitate its formation, while prolonged exposure to solar thermal radiation on Mercury's surface can lead directly to the formation of np-Fe⁰. Therefore, intense solar thermal radiation is a crucial component of the unique space weathering transformation process on Mercury's surface.

Coal seams can enrich a variety of harmful trace elements under specific geological conditions. The spatial distribution of harmful trace elements in coal is extremely uneven, and the distribution characteristics of each element content are different. The harmful elements released in the process of coal mining and utilization will cause serious harm to the environment and the human body. It is of great resource significance to study the geochemistry of coal that affects the enrichment and distribution characteristics of harmful trace elements. Based on the domestic and foreign literature on coal geochemistry in Guizhou published by previous investigators, this study counted 1097 sample data from 23 major coal-producing counties in Guizhou Province, systematically summarized the relevant research results of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou, and revealed the overall distribution and enrichment characteristics of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou. The results show that the average contents of Cd, Pb, Se, Cu, Mo, U, V, As, Hg, and Cr in coal of Guizhou are higher than those in Chinese coal and world coal. A variety of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou have high background values, especially in Liupanshui, Xingyi and Qianbei coalfield. The enrichment of various harmful trace elements in the Late Permian coal in Guizhou is mainly related to the combined action of various geological and geochemical factors. The supply of terrigenous debris and sedimentary environment may be the basic background of the enrichment of harmful elements in western Guizhou, while low-temperature hydrothermal activity and volcanic ash deposition may be the main reasons for the enrichment of harmful elements in southwestern Guizhou.

The Chayong Cu-polymetallic deposit is a recently discovered Cu-polymetallic deposit hosted in the Sanjiang Metallogenic Belt within the Tibetan Plateau of China to the northeast of the North Qiangtang terrane. The ore body occurs in siltstone and is controlled by a northwest-trending fault structure. According to the associations, assemblages, and cutting relationships between ore veins, the hydrothermal mineralization period can be divided into three mineralization stages: (1) a molybdenite mineralization stage, (2) a Cu-polymetallic sulfide stage, and (3) a quartz-carbonate stage. Two types of fluid inclusions (FIs), namely, liquid and vapor-rich inclusions, are present in quartz associated with sulfide minerals. Early-stage FIs are both liquid and vapor-rich, homogenized at temperatures ranging from 364.1 to 384.2 °C, and have salinities ranging from 0.70% to 9.60% NaCl equivalent (eqv). The middle-stage FIs are also both liquid- and vapor-rich, homogenized at temperatures ranging from 272.4 to 355.6 °C, and have salinities ranging from 0.53%–17.10% NaCl eqv. The late-stage FIs are liquid, homogenized at temperatures ranging from 209.4 to 255.3 °C, and have salinities ranging from 0.35%–6.87% NaCl eqv. The samples from the deposit have δ³⁴S values of − 21.8‰ to − 19.2‰ and − 5.5‰ to − 6.0‰, suggesting that sulfur was derived from the host sediments and magmatic fluids, respectively. The metallic minerals within the deposit have ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb values of 18.439–18.458, 15.656–15.679, and 38.772–38.863, respectively, suggesting that the metals were derived from the upper crust and orogenic belts. The samples from the deposit have δ¹⁸O_W values of 2.99‰–7.99‰ and δD_W values ranging from − 84.4‰ to − 73.9‰, indicating that the ore-forming fluids were magmatic and mixed with minor amounts of meteoric water. The ore-forming fluid of the Chayong copper polymetallic deposit was a high-temperature, medium- to low-salinity H₂O–NaCl–CH₄–N₂ ± CO₂ fluid system. The early high-temperature magmatic fluid, due to boiling, decreased in temperature, and via the mixing of meteoric water, gradually evolved towards the later-stage medium- to low-temperature and low-salinity fluid, causing molybdenite mineralization and forming copper polymetallic sulfide veins and quartz carbonate veins.

The Dahongshan Group, situated at the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, represents a geological unit characterized by relatively high-grade metamorphism in the region. This paper investigates the garnet-biotite schist from the Laochanghe Formation of the Dahongshan Group, employing an integrated approach that includes petrological analysis, phase equilibrium modeling, and zircon U–Pb dating. The schist is mainly composed of garnet, biotite, plagioclase, quartz, rutile, and ilmenite. Phase equilibrium modeling revealed the peak metamorphic conditions of 8–9 kbar and 635–675 °C. By further integrating the prograde metamorphic profile of garnet and geothermobarometric results, a clockwise P–T metamorphic evolution path is constructed, which includes an increase in temperature and pressure during the prograde stage. LA–ICP–MS zircon U–Pb dating and zircon Ti thermometry constrains the post-peak metamorphic age of 831.2 ± 7.2 Ma. Integrated with previously reported results, it is revealed that the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block experienced a large-scale regional metamorphism during the Neoproterozoic (890–750 Ma), which is related to the collisional orogenic process. This may be associated with the late-stage assembly of the Rodinia supercontinent or with local compression and subduction processes during the breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.

Beryl is the commercial source of beryllium and several varieties of it are valued as a gemstone. To contribute to understanding the mechanism of beryl formation, we carried out detailed geological, petrographical, and geochemical investigations on beryl mineralization occurrences in the Zabara-Wadi El Gemal (Z-WG) region. This region is an NW–SE trending tract that includes six beryl-hosting areas. The green gem variety of beryl (emerald) is restricted to phlogopite schist, pegmatite, and quartz veins. Prismatic hexagonal emerald crystals are well-developed in phlogopite schist and pegmatite. The gem variety emerald examined is sodic and Cr-dominant. It contains high concentrations of chromophore transition elements ordering Cr (up to 1511 ppm) > V (up to 242 ppm) > Sc (up to 245 ppm), giving rise to its vivid green color, reflecting mafic–ultramafic source contribution. Among the investigated emeralds, the Sikait area contains the highest BeO (av. 10.76wt.%) concentration. The compositional variability of emeralds is most likely attributed to the contribution from the host rocks. This is revealed by the examined emerald mineralization, for instance; the Abu Rusheid area (one of the best areas exposing rare metal-bearing granitoids) possesses the highest average of trace and REEs concentrations. In contrast, Um Kabu emerald has the highest contents of Co (av. 20 ppm), Ni (av. 299 ppm), MgO (av. 8.2wt.%), Fe₂O₃ (av. 3.12wt.%), and CaO (avg. 3.4wt.%) relative to other areas, which may be linked to contribution of ultramafic rocks exposed there. The proposed mechanism we suggest for emerald genesis is metasomatic interaction between felsic (intrusions, that are enriched with K, Na, Be, Li, and B, with mafic–ultramafic rocks that are enriched in Cr, V, Mg, Fe, and Ca. This interaction is marked by the formation of phlogopite schist, the growth of emerald crystals, and desilicated pegmatite.