Weathering Of Primary Minerals Research Articles

Enrichment of Rare Earth Elements During the Weathering of Alkaline Igneous Systems: Insights from the Puxiong Regolith-Hosted Rare Earth Element Deposit, SW China

Abstract Regolith-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits have been the focus of recent studies. Most studies concern deposits formed over granites and felsic volcanic rocks, but little is known about those deposits developed over silica-undersaturated alkaline igneous rocks. The recently discovered Puxiong REE deposit in Southwest China formed through the weathering of nepheline syenite that has REE concentrations ranging from 177 to 9,336 ppm. Hydrothermal processes partially enriched the parent nepheline syenite in REEs. About 60% of the REEs in the bedrock are hosted in britholite-(Ce), tritomite-(Ce), and cerite-(Ce) and ~21% in REE minerals that occur as inclusions in K-feldspar, with the rest in titanite, hiortdahlite, apatite, fluorite, and calcite. These minerals all can be easily decomposed to release REEs into soil solutions during weathering. The released REEs are adsorbed on clay minerals or precipitate as supergene rhabdophane and an Fe-Mn-REE oxyhydroxide phase. Nepheline syenite-derived regolith-hosted REE deposits are enriched in illite and halloysite, which have a higher ion exchange capacity than the parent granites. Illite formed through the weathering of primary alkali minerals in the nepheline syenite. In the strongly eroded midslope and valley, the regolith has the lowest total REE concentration (997 and 1,001 ppm on average, respectively) across the ore-bearing catchment, whereas the regolith in the hilltop and footslope has REE concentrations of up to 1,564 and 1,677 ppm, respectively. Moreover, regolith at the footslope has the highest heavy REE (HREE) concentration of 110 ppm on average. The light REEs (LREEs) tend to be concentrated in the B horizon and laterally across the hilltops, whereas the HREEs are mobilized by groundwater and soil solutions and accumulated in the upper C horizon vertically and the footslope profiles laterally. In conclusion, nepheline syenite was hydrothermally enriched in the REEs, and these elements were released to the weathering solution and then adsorbed onto clay minerals in sufficient concentrations to form economic regolith-hosted REE deposits. This process, which was controlled at Puxiong by the nature of clay minerals, pH, the redox conditions, the mobility of the REEs, and topography, led to maximum enrichment of the LREEs in the lower B horizon at the hilltop, and HREE enrichment in the upper C horizons vertically and in the footslope laterally.

Uranium anomaly in groundwater of the hard rock aquifer system in southeast Brazil

This study presents a hydrogeological characterization that fills knowledge gaps in an area where a complex geological scenario connects two fractured (granite/metamorphic rocks and diabase) and one porous (sedimentary rocks) aquifer systems. Previous groundwater studies from the four local deep supply wells suggested the sedimentary aquifer as the source of uranium (∼60 μg/L) in one of the wells. Despite the water extraction interruption from this well, this finding needed to be supported by evidence provided by the geological and structural characteristics of the aquifers. Data collected through video inspection, caliper, optical (OPTV), and acoustic borehole televiewers (ATV) revealed the predominance of the crystalline aquifer in the area. As recorded by video inspection, the well's borehole with high U intersects the crystalline rocks at several open fractures and presents the highest gamma radiation values. Therefore, we infer that the origin of dissolved U is the weathering of primary minerals locally occurring in those rocks. The U leaching and complexation as calcium-uranyl-carbonates favors its solubility in that specific aqueous medium, as shown by hydrogeochemical modeling using PHREEQC. Additionally, the major ions and trace elements concentrations allow the division of the wells into two groups: a) two with higher U concentrations, influenced by the granite/metamorphic aquifer and possibly longer residence times, and b) the other two wells with lower U concentrations, higher nitrate concentrations, influenced by the diabase aquifer, possibly have younger residence times.

Simulating soil organic carbon stock as affected by land use and climate change on volcanic soils in Indonesia

We assessed long-term trends in soil organic carbon (SOC) in volcanic soils with a process-based soil genesis model, SoilGen2.25. The relation between soil geochemistry and SOC was applied in a model context, where significant soil properties were identified and used to modify the decay rates of SOC pools. We used data from Indonesian sites with different land use (tropical primary forest, secondary pine forest, and agricultural land) and calibrated major soil processes in volcanic soils, viz. clay migration and weathering of primary minerals. The model evaluated the decay rates of SOC pools using three calibration approaches: (i) a site-specific calibration, (ii) a generic calibration, and (iii) a generic calibration modified by a geochemical proxy. The best calibration for each approach was then used to estimate the future of SOC under different climate projection scenarios, viz. representative concentration pathways (RCP) 2.6 and 8.5. The SoilGen2.25 model was generally sensitive to the change of selected soil process parameters. A four-pool SOC model (Roth-C) with site-specific decay rates best reproduced total SOC with a percentage difference between measured and simulated SOC between 1 and 10%. Application of a geochemical proxy to modify the generic rate calibration also improved, relative to a generic calibration, the simulation quality of the included humus pool and total SOC in most study sites. Agricultural soil showed higher susceptibility to global warming (i.e. RCP 8.5) than forest soils. Projective scenarios based on the three calibration scenarios highlighted the importance of the calibration method on the accuracy of SOC projection.

Soil organic matter stabilization during early stages of Technosol development from Ca, Mg and pyrite-rich parent material

The mechanisms underlying soil organic matter (SOM) accrual in Technosols are still poorly understood. Here we studied a 20-year chronosequence of three Technosols constructed with dolomitic limestone mining waste: two cultivated with sugarcane (for 3 and 7 years) and one under pasture (for ∼20 years). Through a combination of SOM physical fractionation and wet-chemical extractions, we aimed to unravel the processes driving SOM accumulation in these soils and developed a conceptual model for embryonic soils developed from Ca, Mg and pyrite-rich parent material. Our results revealed that the weathering of comminuted waste rocks (e.g., shale, siltstone) provided 2:1 minerals (especially smectite) to participate in mineral-organic associations. The weathering of primary minerals also promoted the formation of secondary minerals, which interacted with SOM and increased the amount of mineral associated organic matter (MAOM) up to 20 g SOC kg−1. Pyrite oxidation produced highly reactive secondary Fe phases, while the dolomite dissolution increased the concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ and maintained near-neutral pH conditions, favoring the formation of cation-bridges. The progressive increase in the different operational Fe fractions (Fe in organomineral complex, poorly crystalline, and crystalline Fe oxides) along the Technosol chronosequence was strongly correlated with MAOM, highlighting the significant role of Fe in SOM accumulation. Furthermore, we observed substantial increase in particulate organic matter (POM), up to 22 g SOC kg−1, which was associated with increased aggregate formation and stability. These processes collectively contribute to the protection of SOM during early stages of soil development from in Ca, Mg, and pyrite-rich parent material, and thus indicate a high potential for carbon sequestration.

Ecological engineering of iron ore tailings into useable soils for sustainable rehabilitation

Ecological engineering of soil formation in tailings is an emerging technology toward sustainable rehabilitation of iron (Fe) ore tailings landscapes worldwide, which requires the formation of well-organized and stable soil aggregates in finely textured tailings. Here, we demonstrate an approach using microbial and rhizosphere processes to progressively drive aggregate formation and development in Fe ore tailings. The aggregates were initially formed through the agglomeration of mineral particles by organic cements derived from microbial decomposition of exogenous organic matter. The aggregate stability was consolidated by colloidal nanosized Fe(III)-Si minerals formed during Fe-bearing primary mineral weathering driven by rhizosphere biogeochemical processes of pioneer plants. From these findings, we proposed a conceptual model for progressive aggregate structure development in the tailings with Fe(III)-Si rich cements as core nuclei. This renewable resource dependent eco-engineering approach opens a sustainable pathway to achieve resilient tailings rehabilitation without resorting to excavating natural soil resources.

Feedbacks between the formation of secondary minerals and the infiltration of fluids into the regolith of granitic rocks in different climatic zones (Chilean Coastal Cordillera)

Abstract. Subsurface fluid pathways and the climate-dependent infiltration of fluids into the subsurface jointly control the intensity and depth of mineral weathering reactions. The products of these weathering reactions (secondary minerals), such as Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and clay minerals, in turn exert a control on the subsurface fluid flow and hence on the development of weathering profiles. We explored the dependence of mineral transformations on climate during the weathering of granitic rocks in two 6 m deep weathering profiles in Mediterranean and humid climate zones along the Chilean Coastal Cordillera. We used geochemical and mineralogical methods such as (micro-) X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF and XRF), oxalate and dithionite extractions, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microprobe (EMP) mapping to elucidate the transformations involved during weathering. In the profile of the Mediterranean climate zone, we found a low weathering intensity affecting the profile down to 6 m depth. In the profile of the humid climate zone, we found a high weathering intensity. Based on our results, we propose mechanisms that can intensify the progression of weathering to depth. The most important is weathering-induced fracturing (WIF) by Fe(II) oxidation in biotite and precipitation of Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and by the swelling of interstratified smectitic clay minerals that promotes the formation of fluid pathways. We also propose mechanisms that mitigate the development of a deep weathering zone, like the precipitation of secondary minerals (e.g., clay minerals) and amorphous phases that can impede the subsurface fluid flow. We conclude that the depth and intensity of primary mineral weathering in the profile of the Mediterranean climate zone is significantly controlled by WIF. It generates a surface–subsurface connectivity that allows fluid infiltration to great depth and hence promotes a deep weathering zone. Moreover, the water supply to the subsurface is limited in the Mediterranean climate, and thus, most of the weathering profile is generally characterized by a low weathering intensity. The depth and intensity of weathering processes in the profile of the humid climate zone, on the other hand, are controlled by an intense formation of secondary minerals in the upper section of the weathering profile. This intense formation arises from pronounced dissolution of primary minerals due to the high water infiltration (high precipitation rate) into the subsurface. The secondary minerals, in turn, impede the infiltration of fluids to great depth and thus mitigate the intensity of primary mineral weathering at depth. These two settings illustrate that the depth and intensity of primary mineral weathering in the upper regolith are controlled by positive and negative feedbacks between the formation of secondary minerals and the infiltration of fluids.

Strontium isotopes trace the dissolution and precipitation of mineral organic carbon interactions in thawing permafrost

Interactions between minerals and organic carbon (OC) in soils are key to stabilize OC and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions upon permafrost thaw. However, changes in soil water pathways upon permafrost thaw are likely to affect the stability of mineral OC interactions by inducing their dissolution and precipitation. This study aims to assess and quantify how mineral OC interactions are affected by dissolution and precipitation in thawed relative to unthawed layers. We hypothesize that a change in the radiogenic strontium (Sr) isotopic ratio (87Sr/86Sr) involved in mineral OC interactions upon changing water saturation conditions implies a destabilization of the mineral OC interaction. We quantified mineral OC interactions using selective extractions in soils facing gradual thaw (Eight Mile Lake, AK, USA) and in sediments with a thawing history of abrupt thaw (Duvanny Yar, Russia), and we measured the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the selective extracts targeting the Sr associated to mineral OC interactions. Firstly, for water saturated layers with a higher proportion of mineral OC interactions, we found a difference in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio relative to the surrounding layers, and this supports the preservation of a Sr “stable” pool in these mineral OC interactions. We estimated that a portion of these mineral OC interactions have remained undissociated since their formation (between 4% and 64% by Sr isotope mass balance). Secondly, we found no difference in 87Sr/86Sr ratio between layers accumulating Fe oxides at redox interfaces regularly affected by water table changes (or upon thermokarst processes) relative to surrounding layers. This supports the dominance of a Sr “labile” pool inherited from processes of dissolution and precipitation of the mineral OC interactions. Thirdly, our estimations based on a Sr isotope mass balance support that, as a consequence of permafrost thaw, a larger proportion of Sr from primary mineral weathering (>80%) controls the Sr in mineral OC interactions in the saturated zone of deeply thawed soils relative to poorly thawed soils (∼50%). In conclusion, we found that the radiogenic Sr isotope method, applied for the first time in this context, is promising to trace dissolution-precipitation processes of mineral OC interaction in thawing permafrost.

Topography-dependent formation and transformation of lithogenic and pedogenic iron oxides on a volcano under a tropical monsoon climate

Volcanoes are widely distributed on the surface of the Earth and on other planets. Volcanic activities play a key role in the long-term evolution of the planetary atmosphere and geomorphology. Iron oxides on volcanoes often exist as the products of rapid magmatic oxidation driven by earlier lithogenesis or the weathering of primary iron-bearing minerals driven by later pedogenesis. The antiferromagnetic (AFM) and ferrimagnetic (FM) particles associated with the formation and transformation of iron oxides dominate the color and magnetism of soil and can potentially serve as an indicator to trace these processes. In this study, we systematically investigated the subsoils derived from a Pliocene volcano under a tropical monsoon climate. We observed that the crystalline iron oxides are differentiated along the leeward and windward slopes, while amorphous iron oxides are mainly differentiated along the shady and sunny slopes. The AFM hematite is more concentrated on the purplish top and the reddish leeward slopes, while the AFM goethite is more concentrated on the yellowish windward slopes. Coarser FM particles accompanied by lithogenic hematite form via early lithogenesis at the top, while more fine FM particles are concentrated on the leeward slopes with the neoformation of pedogenic hematite. Fewer but finer FM particles form with goethite on the windward slopes. These results suggest that FM particles could coexist with AFM hematite via lithogenesis or pedogenesis and that goethite would be a more reasonable pedogenic indicator in volcanic regions.

Effects of whole-tree and stem-only clearcutting on forest floor and soil carbon and nutrients in a balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) and red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) dominated ecosystem

Intensive harvesting of forest biomass for bioenergy has the potential to degrade forest soils and productivity if ecosystem carbon and other nutrients are depleted faster than replenished naturally or by management inputs. Climate change mitigation potential associated with bioenergy may be threatened if forest management operations reduce soil carbon stocks. Research reported here was initiated in 1979 to determine the effects of whole-tree harvesting on long-term site productivity and ecosystem carbon and nutrient pools and fluxes in a northeastern North American temperate balsam fir-red spruce forest. A sequence of harvesting and silvicultural treatments were applied from 1981 to 1993 using a paired-watershed experimental design. Treatments included whole-tree clearcutting, stem-only harvesting, simulated by return of chipped or lopped delimbing residue, conifer release by applying herbicide, and pre-commercial thinning and fertilizer application. Quantitative samples of the forest floor were excavated in 2016. Quantitative soil pits were sampled in 2017 to a depth of 50 cm below the forest floor, where possible; the basal till subsoil was sampled to a depth of 100 cm with an auger. Forest floor samples were analyzed for total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and aluminum. Organic and mineral soil layer samples from the quantitative pits were analyzed for pH, short and long-lived soil carbon via 13C cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), total carbon and nitrogen and extractable phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and aluminum. Forest floor carbon and nitrogen on whole-tree harvested plots 35 years after harvest were about 50% of the amount on the unharvested watershed. Stem-only harvesting partially mitigated the reduction, and gross losses were apparently offset by increases in the mineral soil solum to depth 50 cm, suggesting that downward translocation of soil organic matter was a significant ecosystem process during the 35 years since harvest. Accumulated forest floor and mineral soil stock of total carbon and nitrogen and extractable nutrients to depth 100 cm did not differ significantly between the harvested and unharvested watershed. A corresponding similarity in mineral soil pools of extractable phosphorus and non-acid cations in the two watersheds suggests that inputs from atmospheric deposition, primary and secondary mineral weathering, organic matter mineralization and litterfall balanced exports including leaching and plant uptake. Ecosystem stocks of extractable phosphorus, base cations, and total organic carbon and nitrogen were maintained 35 years after whole-tree harvesting of a primary spruce-fir forest.

Sphalerite weathering and controls on Zn and Cd migration in mine waste rock: An integrated study from the molecular scale to the field scale

Degraded water quality and environmental impacts caused by weathering of sulfide-bearing mine wastes are a legacy remaining at many historical mine sites. Release and mobilization of toxic metals (e.g., Zn and Cd) in mine drainage are often associated with weathering of primary sulfide minerals and precipitation and dissolution of secondary minerals. This study aims to couple field-scale measurements of physicochemical parameters with μm- and nm-scale mineralogical characterization to investigate sphalerite weathering and controls on Zn and Cd migration in an uncovered mine waste-rock pile. Elevated concentrations of Zn and Cd, potentially harmful to the receiving environment, were detected in waste-rock pore water and seepage. A suite of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with EDS, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and synchrotron-based micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) mapping and micro X-ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES) spectroscopy were utilized in a high-resolution investigation of elemental- and secondary-mineral associations with sphalerite grains. EMPA and μ-XRF elemental maps and STEM investigations show depletion of Zn, Fe, S, and Cd, local enrichment of Cu, and distinct dissolution pits at the margins of sphalerite grains. Using μ-XANES, the speciation of solid phases containing Zn, Cu, Fe, and S indicates the dominance of primary sphalerite with microscopic inclusions of chalcopyrite, along with sparse occurrence of secondary Cu-bearing sulfides formed during weathering. These results suggest sphalerite oxidation leads to congruent dissolution without formation of distinct secondary-mineral coatings. Sphalerite weathering significantly contributes to elevated aqueous concentrations of Zn and Cd. Field-scale observations and mineralogical investigations indicate common occurrence of Fe-oxyhydroxides in the waste-rock pile. Seepage chemistry and surface complexation modeling results suggest that pH-dependent variations in reactions on the surfaces of the Fe-oxyhydroxides control aqueous concentrations of Zn and Cd, and the Zn/Cd ratio in the seepage. This work highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms of sulfide-mineral oxidation and subsequent surface precipitation and adsorption, such that appropriate remediation action can be implemented to limit mobilization of metals to sensitive ecosystems.

Rock weathering controls the potential for soil carbon storage at a continental scale

As rock-derived primary minerals weather to form soil, they create reactive, poorly crystalline minerals that bind and store organic carbon. By implication, the abundance of primary minerals in soil might influence the abundance of poorly crystalline minerals, and hence soil organic carbon storage. However, the link between primary mineral weathering, poorly crystalline minerals, and soil carbon has not been fully tested, particularly at large spatial scales. To close this knowledge gap, we designed a model that links primary mineral weathering rates to the geographic distribution of poorly crystalline minerals across the USA, and then used this model to evaluate the effect of rock weathering on soil organic carbon. We found that poorly crystalline minerals are most abundant and most strongly correlated with organic carbon in geographically limited zones that sustain enhanced weathering rates, where humid climate and abundant primary minerals co-occur. This finding confirms that rock weathering alters soil mineralogy to enhance soil organic carbon storage at continental scales, but also indicates that the influence of active weathering on soil carbon storage is limited by low weathering rates across vast areas.

The rhizosphere of tropical grasses as driver of soil weathering in embryonic Technosols (SE-Brazil)

The rhizosphere is a highly biogeochemically active site influencing several soil processes that are crucial for soil formation (e.g., mineral weathering). We studied weathering processes in embryonic Technosols constructed with limestone mine spoils, cultivated with sugarcane for two and six years (illitic siltstone areas: SC2 and SC6) and forage grasses (mainly Urochloa spp.) for 20 years (smectitic black shale area: P20). Rhizosphere and bulk soils were characterized through biological, chemical, and mineralogical analyses. We found contrasting biogeochemical environments when comparing rhizosphere and bulk soils. The pH values were about 1 unit lower, dissolved organic carbon concentrations were up to 3 times higher, and the average enzymatic activity was about 3 times higher in the rhizosphere soils compared to the bulk soils of the studied Technosols. A higher biological activity in the rhizosphere triggered the weathering of primary minerals (dolomite, feldspar, muscovite, quartz), causing the release of K, Ca, Mg, and Si from the mineral structure into the soil solution. The enrichment of the rhizospheric soil solution with Si and bases (mainly Ca and Mg) triggered the transformation of clay minerals and led to the formation of amorphous Si phases. Under sugarcane, smectite content increased from 18% in the siltstone to 44% in the SC6 rhizosphere. Under forage grasses, there was an increase in smectite contents from 58% in the black shale to 75% in both the rhizosphere and bulk soils. The main clay transformation process was a topotactic transformation from illite to smectite through progressive interstratification, supplied by the high availability of Si, Ca, and Mg in the rhizosphere. Our results highlight the pivotal role of rhizospheric processes in mineral weathering of Technosols developed from limestone mine waste. These processes may accelerate pedogenesis, and, consequently, the recovering of the soil functions essential for mine reclamation processes.

Physical, geochemical, and clay mineralogical properties of unstable soil slopes in the Cameron Highlands

Abstract The physical, geochemical, and clay mineralogical properties are location dependent and influence landslide, yet this relationship is understudied in the Cameron Highlands. Therefore, this study demonstrates the effect of the selected physical–geochemical properties and clay mineralogy on landslide susceptibility (LS) in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Seven soil samples were taken from non-landslide-affected slopes (NAS) and 13 from landslide-affected slopes (LAS), making a total of 20 samples that were analyzed. The degree of the LAS and NAS ranges from 42–80° and 30–70°, respectively. The NAS soils were characterized by lower sand, higher clay, higher organic matter content (OMC), and higher cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soils with high sand tend to have larger free pores and weak bonds, making them more vulnerable to landslides. The electrostatic charges on the clay’s surface bind the solution ions, increasing cohesion between soil particles. Also, high CEC in soils improves their stability through the binding effect resulting from the attraction between solution ions via the electrostatic surface charges of the clay in the soil. The clay mineralogy revealed the abundance of kaolinite and illite, indicating the last stage of weathering associated with the weathering of primary minerals forming the bedrock. In this study, it was demonstrated that high sand, low clay, low OMC, low CEC, and clay mineralogy of the soil were associated with slope failure in the study area.

Effects of weathering and silicic acid uptake by rice plants on weathered products -Quantitative changes in potassium, silica, and aluminum in granitic Fluvisol-

ABSTRACT Potassium (K) fertilizers have been widely used to promise agricultural production, yet rice (Oryza sativa L.) showed healthy growth for long periods under K-deficient conditions. These findings imply that rice could take up minerals-bound K as non-exchangeable K. When the weathering of primary silicate minerals occurs in the rhizosphere of rice, the rice takes up not only dissolved K but also dissolved silicic acid (SiO2). We grew three rice cultivars with different Si-uptake abilities (Hokuriku 193, Oochikara, and Lsi-1) in granitic Fluvisol under K- and Si-deficient conditions to quantitatively reveal the significance of the Si-uptake by rice for the mineral weathering in the rhizosphere. As a result, the Si-uptake quantity by rice was positive linearly correlated with the amount of Al accumulation in soil, suggesting a substance containing a certain ratio of Si and Al was decomposed by rice. The K:Al:Si molar ratio of the decomposed substance by rice was 0.2:1:2.6, and the ratio is suggestive of silicate minerals such as K-feldspar. Because silicate minerals such as K-feldspar (e.g., KAlSi3O8) contain a large amount of aluminum (Al), Al release alongside K ions and silicic acid in their weathering. Dissolved Al is highly active and can be stabilized by combining with organic matter (OM) or silicic acid in the rhizosphere. The Si-uptake levels and mineral decomposing abilities of rice affected the variety of the accumulated substances (i.e., Al hydroxy oxide with OM, clay minerals) in the soil after cultivation. In particular, the Al hydroxy oxide with OM accumulates as persistent soil organic carbon. Thus, it appears that the Si-uptake abilities of plants have a great influence on the weathering of minerals and their products.

Acidophilic Iron- and Sulfur-Oxidizing Bacteria, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Drives Alkaline pH Neutralization and Mineral Weathering in Fe Ore Tailings.

The neutralization of strongly alkaline pH conditions and acceleration of mineral weathering in alkaline Fe ore tailings have been identified as key prerequisites for eco-engineering tailings-soil formation for sustainable mine site rehabilitation. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans has great potential in neutralizing alkaline pH and accelerating primary mineral weathering in the tailings but little information is available. This study aimed to investigate the colonization of A. ferrooxidans in alkaline Fe ore tailings and its role in elemental sulfur (S0) oxidation, tailings neutralization, and Fe-bearing mineral weathering through a microcosm experiment. The effects of biological S0 oxidation on the weathering of alkaline Fe ore tailings were examined via various microspectroscopic analyses. It is found that (1) the A. ferrooxidans inoculum combined with the S0 amendment rapidly neutralized the alkaline Fe ore tailings; (2) A. ferrooxidans activities induced Fe-bearing primary mineral (e.g., biotite) weathering and secondary mineral (e.g., ferrihydrite and jarosite) formation; and (3) the association between bacterial cells and tailings minerals were likely facilitated by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The behavior and biogeochemical functionality of A. ferrooxidans in the tailings provide a fundamental basis for developing microbial-based technologies toward eco-engineering soil formation in Fe ore tailings.

氮磷添加和栽植密度对大叶相思林土壤微生物群落功能多样性的影响

土壤微生物群落是土壤质量潜在的生态指标，在维持生态系统功能和服务中起着关键的作用。采用Biolog-ECO微平板法，探讨氮磷添加与不同栽植密度交互对大叶相思林（Acacia auriculiformis）土壤微生物功能多样性的影响，以便为建立合理的林分密度和氮磷施肥模式，提高土壤质量提供理论参考。以大叶相思林为研究对象，选择氯化铵（NH₄Cl）作为氮肥模拟大气氮沉降，用二水合磷酸二氢钠（NaH₂PO₄·2H₂O）进行磷添加。氮磷处理设置4个水平，即CK、施N、施P和施N+P。种植密度设置4个水平，即1667、2500、4444、10000株/hm²（分别以低密度、中密度、较高密度、高密度表示）。研究结果表明，施P显著提高了4个密度大叶相思林土壤微生物的AWCD值、碳源利用丰富度指数、McIntosh指数、Shannon指数和Simpson指数，而施N和N+P则相反。随着林分密度的减小，各处理的土壤微生物AWCD值趋于减少。通常低密度林分的土壤微生物的丰富度指数、Shannon-Wiener指数、McIntosh指数和Simpson指数较小。;Climate change affects the physiological activities of soil microbes, which causes changes of soil microbial community structure and functional diversity and cascades the effects on biogeochemical cycling and climate-ecosystem feedbacks. Among them, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are considered as the limiting factors that influences the plant biodiversity and primary productivity in forest ecosystems. The external N addition or atmospheric N deposition has been found to affect the aboveground biology processes and the underground biochemistry of soil, both directly and indirectly. Chronic elevated N input has been shown to lead to many adverse impacts, including soil acidification, nutrients imbalance, and the increased greenhouse gas emissions. Forest soils of southern China are P-limited, because they are highly weathered and leached, and little P is released even from the weathering of primary P-bearing minerals. As a result, P fertilization is widely used in the subtropical forests of southern China. As an important component in regulating belowground ecological processes, the soil microbes are primary mediators of organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, and thus play a key role in maintaining function and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, changes in soil microbial function and community composition may trigger a series of responses, such as impacting litter and organic matter decomposition rates, humus formation nutrient transformation and cycling, and then alter the interaction between soil microbes and plant communities. In this study, Biolog-ECO microplate method was used to investigate the interactive effects of nitrogen and phosphorus additions and different stand densities on soil microbial functional diversity of Acacia auriculiformis stands, which can provide a basis for establishing reasonable stand density, fertilization method, and improve soil quality. NH₄Cl and NaH₂PO₄·2H₂O were selected to simulate atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus additions with 4 treatments (CK, N, P and N+P) and stand density was set at 4 levels (1667, 2500, 4444, and 10000 seedlings/hm²). The results showed that P treatment promoted the average well color development (AWCD) values, richness index, McIntosh index, Shannon index, and Simpson index of soil microbes in the four density stands, while the N and N+P treatments were opposite. With the decrease of forest density, the AWCD values of soil microbes in all treatments decreased. Generally, soil microbial richness index, Shannon-Wiener index, McIntosh index and Simpson index were small in the low density stands.

Acidification and weathering associated with deep tongues in sandy Spodosols, Michigan, USA

We studied the effects of preferential flow on weathering of primary minerals in well-drained, sandy Spodosols (Podzols) in northern Michigan, USA. Preferential flow in these soils is manifested as deep eluvial/illuvial tongues. We hypothesized that sands in the best developed (strong) tongues would be more weathered than in tongues that are short and/or thin (weak tongues), and especially so when compared to pedons that lack tongues (off-tongues). Across these three types of morphologies, we sampled at a variety of depths and horizons to establish correspondence between tongue strength and primary mineral weathering, using (Ba+Rb)/Sr data from a portable xrf instrument as a weathering surrogate. Soil acidity and primary mineral weathering vary predictably: strong tongues > weak tongues > off-tongues. This trend continues well below the profile, as BC and C horizons below strong tongues are also weathered, even though morphological indicators of pedogenesis and weathering here are not present. E horizons, which experience the most cumulative percolation of soil water, are strongly weathered, regardless whether they are located above a tongue, or not. Thus, we conclude that the cumulative percolation of acidic water, rich in organo-metallic compounds, drives weathering in these soils, even at depths to which the organics and illuvial materials have not yet reached. That is, the effects of podzolization and weathering extend well below what is morphologically considered the profile. Our data indicate that (a) coatings of organo-metallic substances in B horizons do not “protect” the underlying grains from dissolution and weathering-related reactions, and (b) pedogenesis and weathering can extend far below the profile, beneath areas of preferential flow.

Thallium and co-genetic trace elements in hydrothermal Fe-Mn deposits of Central Spain

Thallium (Tl) is a hazardous trace metal that can harm human and environmental health. Tl pollution can result from the mining and smelting of Tl-bearing minerals, but also the natural weathering of Tl-bearing sulfide minerals may induce Tl release to the environment. In this study, hydrothermal deposits hosted in dolostone rocks sited along fossil thermal springs in the Lodares region (Soria province, central Spain) were studied. In this hydrothermal mineralization zone, Tl association with primary minerals, identified Tl-bearing secondary products resulting from natural weathering of primary minerals, as well as the dispersion from its natural source along a seasonal small streambed were explored. Samples were analyzed by chemical, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and epithermal pyrite, sphalerite, galena and barite and secondary gypsum, jarosite, scorodite, anglesite, goethite, epsomite and elemental sulfur produced by both inorganic and bacterial processes were found. The highest Tl contents were found in hydrothermal pyrite (188 mg kg−1), jarosite (142 mg kg−1), Mn-oxides (27 mg kg−1) or kerogen (13 mg kg−1). Feldspar was identified by electron probe microanalysis as potential host phase of Tl. XANES results confirmed the association of Tl(I) with metal sulfides in pyrite-rich samples and highlighted the role of jarosite-like minerals for Tl(I) sequestration upon pyrite oxidation, even in carbonate-rich samples at near-neutral pH. In addition to micaceous minerals, jarosite-group minerals and K-feldspars may contribute to the natural attenuation of Tl in soils and sediments.

Arsenáty mědi z dobývky na žíle Geschieber - sever (patro Daniel), Svornost, jáchymovský rudní revír (Česká republika)

An interesting mineral association of Cu arsenates was found at abandoned ore stope at the Geschieber vein - north at the Daniel level of the Svornost mine, the Jáchymov ore district, Krušné hory, Czech Republic. Tangdanite forms thin tabular crystals up to 3 mm in size and coatings and fine crystalline aggregates on the area up to some cm2. It has light green, bluish-green to emerald green color and perfect cleavage. It is monoclinic, space group C2/c, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 54.335(12), b 5.579(2), c 10.459(2) Å, β 95.42(3)° and V 3156(2) Å3; its chemical analyses correspond to the empirical formula Ca1.99(Cu8.72Zn0.09Ni0.04Al0.04)Σ8.89[(AsO4)3.83 (PO4)0.14(SiO4)0.03]Σ4.00(SO4)0.41(OH)8.97·9H2O on the basis As+P+Si+V = 4 apfu. The results of Raman and infrared spectroscopy confirmed an absence of carbonate group in studied tangdanite. K-rich lavendulan was found as a relatively abundant sky blue crusts and coatings on the area up to some cm2 and hemispherical aggregates with a radial structure or rarely as a group of thin tabular crystals up to 0.2 mm in size. It is monoclinic, space group P21/n, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 10.081(12), b 19.469(12), c 10.033(9) Å, β 90.32° and V 1969(2) Å3; its chemical analyses correspond to the empirical formula (Na0.63K0.16)Σ0.79Ca1.12(Cu4.82Al0.01)Σ4.83[(AsO4)3.86(PO4)0.07 (SO4)0.06(SiO4)0.01]Σ4.00Cl0.96·5H2O on the basis As+P+V+Si+S = 4 apfu. Olivenite occurs as olive green spherical aggregates with radial structure up to 8 mm in size and rarely as groups of acicular crystals in association with strashimirite and köttigite. It is orthorhombic, space group Pnnm, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 8.6204(10), b 8.2332(9), c 5.9337(11) Å and V 421.13(7) Å3; its chemical analyses correspond to the empirical formula (Cu1.94Ni0.01Al0.01)Σ1.96[(AsO4)0.97(VO4)0.02(PO4)0.01]Σ1.00(OH)0.93 on the basis As+V+P = 1 apfu. Strashimirite forms there light green crystalline coatings on the area up to several cm2 and spherical aggregates with a radial structure in association with olivenite and lavendulan. Strashimirite is probably monoclinic, space group P2, the unit-cell parameters refined from X-ray powder diffraction data are: a 9.991(9), b 18.466(9), c 8.986(8) Å, β 96.5(2)° and V 1574(3) Å3; its chemical analyses correspond to the empirical formula (Cu7.83Ni0.18Ca0.09Zn0.06Co0.02Al0.02)Σ8.20 [(AsO4)3.81(PO4)0.07 (SO4)0.07(VO4)0.03(SiO4)0.02]Σ4.00 (OH)4.45·5H2O on the basis As+P+Si+V+S = 4 apfu. Chalcophyllite was found as rare emerald green thin tabular crystals up to 0.5 mm in size and crystalline aggregates. Its chemical composition is possible to express on the basis As+S+P+Si = 7 apfu by the empirical formula Cu17.83Al1.97[(AsO4)4.00(PO4)0.09]Σ4.09[(SO4)2.80(SiO4)0.11]Σ2.91 (OH)23.27·36H2O. Brochantite, devilline, köttigite, erythrite and gypsum were also found in the association with Cu arsenates. The origin of the described mineral association is connected with (sub)recent weathering of primary ore minerals (tennantite, sphalerite, nickelskutterudite) in relatively dry conditions of abandoned mine adits.

Resolving Deep Critical Zone Architecture in Complex Volcanic Terrain

AbstractCritical zone (CZ) structure, including the spatial distribution of minerals, elements, and fluid‐filled pores, evolves on geologic time scales resulting from both top‐down climatic forcing and bottom‐up geologic controls. Climate and lithology may be imprinted in subsurface structure as depth‐dependent trends in geophysical, geochemical, mineralogical, and biological datasets. As the weathering profile is as much (or more) a product of past environmental conditions, development of predictive models requires understanding the relative roles of climatic forcing and the geologic template on which CZ processes evolve. Doing so in complex volcanic terrains with high initial bedrock porosity and distinct depositional and hydrothermal alteration histories is particularly challenging. To resolve CZ structure in a rhyolitic catchment in the Valles Caldera National Preserve (NM, USA), this study combined geophysics, drilling, and laboratory analyses to produce depth‐resolved porosity, geochemistry, and mineralogy datasets to >40 m in depth. Quantitative X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that local mineral transformations control complex chemical enrichment/depletion (τ) patterns. Using linear discriminant analysis, key variables enabled separation of complex‐layered geology into discrete zones. Contemporary, matrix‐dominated weathering processes and modern hydrologic fluxes occur dominantly within the top 15 m of the weathering profile. This zone is convoluted by incomplete primary mineral weathering and overprinted by post‐eruption weathering and metasomatism. Matrix weathering transitions to fracture surface weathering driven by deep percolation of slower moving, longer residence time meteoric waters at depth. By altering initial conditions and weathering trajectory, geologic legacy is a critical factor in how this subsurface landscape evolved and functions.