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Search Results (305)

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Keywords = C–H–O isotopes

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17 pages, 4417 KB  
Article
Cracking the EI Code: Fragmentation Patterns for Structural Elucidation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides by GC-MS
by Qiu Sun, Jia Chen, Peiwen Yu, Julan Ye, Qiaoyu Chen, Yehua Han, Xianjiang Li and Wen Ma
Molecules 2026, 31(17), 2957; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31172957 - 24 Aug 2026
Viewed by 208
Abstract
Although neonicotinoids (NEOs) insecticides have been extensively detected in environmental matrices, their electron ionization (EI) fragmentation patterns have never been systematically elucidated. Because of the poor thermal stability of NEOs, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is rarely used in analysis of NEOs. This work [...] Read more.
Although neonicotinoids (NEOs) insecticides have been extensively detected in environmental matrices, their electron ionization (EI) fragmentation patterns have never been systematically elucidated. Because of the poor thermal stability of NEOs, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is rarely used in analysis of NEOs. This work investigated eight representative NEOs by GC-MS using multiple isotopically labeled standards, including 2H and 13C labeled standards to clarify fragmentation routes and establish robust structural assignment criteria. We found two main factors affecting EI fragmentation patterns. (1) The pharmacophore controlled the backbone cleavage pathway. Specifically, nitroguanidines underwent transketolation with loss of N2O, while cyanoamidines fragment via α-cleavage. (2) The heterocycle moiety determined the diagnostic fragment ion. A heterocyclic group with chloropyridine gave the diagnostic fragment ion of m/z 126, and a chlorothiazole moiety gave the diagnostic fragment ion of m/z 132. The lack of m/z 126 and m/z 132 ions in the case of dinotefuran (DNT), which contained neither of these two moieties, indirectly suggested the rules. This set of rules effectively bridged the gap in EI mass spectral interpretation, providing a basis for ion transition selection and fragment assignment during GC-MS method development. Moreover, it could provide supportive mass-spectrometric clues for potential application in the structural elucidation of related compounds. Full article
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19 pages, 20521 KB  
Article
Ore-Forming Fluid Characteristics and Genesis of the Xiaoyinuogaigou Gold Deposit in the Central Erguna Metallogenic Belt: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions, H-O-S Isotopes, U-Pb Geochronology, and Rare-Earth Elements
by Lichun Fu, Guihu Chen, He Yuan, Tiankun Xie, Haiyang Liu, Qingyuan Song, Bo Li, Xuefeng Li, Obed Oppong, Tao Geng, Fangyue Wang and Wencheng Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(16), 8117; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16168117 - 14 Aug 2026
Viewed by 331
Abstract
The Xiaoyinuogaigou (XYN) gold deposit is located in the central Erguna Metallogenic Belt, northeastern China, and represents a characteristic example of Mesozoic gold mineralization in the Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic province. Despite its economic significance, the timing of mineralization and the nature of the ore-forming [...] Read more.
The Xiaoyinuogaigou (XYN) gold deposit is located in the central Erguna Metallogenic Belt, northeastern China, and represents a characteristic example of Mesozoic gold mineralization in the Mongol–Okhotsk orogenic province. Despite its economic significance, the timing of mineralization and the nature of the ore-forming fluid system have not been well constrained. To address these questions, a systematic investigation of fluid inclusions, isotopes, geochemistry, and geochronology was conducted. The study reveals that: (i) four types of fluid inclusions are identified in auriferous quartz veins, with co-existing aqueous liquid-vapor and NaCl daughter-mineral three-phase inclusions, indicating the involvement of at least two chemically distinct fluids; (ii) the ore-forming fluids are characterized by moderate temperatures (163.2–357.6 °C), low to moderate salinities (3.06–11.34 wt% NaCleqv.), and H–O isotope compositions (δD = −133.3 to −112.3‰; δ18O fluid (SMOW) = +1.74 to +4.06‰) consistent with a hydrothermal system incorporating a substantial non-magmatic water component; and (iii) REE geochemistry and sulfur isotopes (δ34S = +4.47 to +11.75‰, mean +8.29‰, n = 4) indicate that ore-forming materials were derived at least in part from the ore-hosting granite porphyry. Zircon U–Pb geochronology constrains the granite porphyry crystallization to 180 ± 3 Ma, and hydrothermal monazite U–Pb dating yields an age of 162.3 ± 3.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.95), for a Middle Jurassic hydrothermal event. We therefore conclude that XYN is an epizonal orogenic gold deposit formed during the late compressional to post-collisional transition of the Mongol–Okhotsk orogeny. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Earth Sciences)
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20 pages, 3600 KB  
Systematic Review
Chemical Forensics in Death Investigations: A Comprehensive Review of Stable Isotopes as Postmortem Biomarkers for Food Contamination Tracking
by Thokozani P. Mbonane
Chemistry 2026, 8(8), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemistry8080111 - 13 Aug 2026
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Lethal foodborne illness outbreaks represent a critical intersection of public health surveillance, environmental health, and forensic toxicology. When acute gastrointestinal syndromes lead to sudden death, traditional postmortem investigation techniques are often hindered by tissue autolysis and the overgrowth of putrefactive microflora, which complicate [...] Read more.
Lethal foodborne illness outbreaks represent a critical intersection of public health surveillance, environmental health, and forensic toxicology. When acute gastrointestinal syndromes lead to sudden death, traditional postmortem investigation techniques are often hindered by tissue autolysis and the overgrowth of putrefactive microflora, which complicate conventional microbiological assays. This review establishes a comprehensive framework for chemical forensics by evaluating the utility of stable isotope analysis (SIA) as a supportive, probabilistic chemical proxy to complement traditional epidemiological investigations of postmortem food contamination sources. Following JBI scoping review guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR reporting framework, data from 42 peer-reviewed articles (2000–2026) were charted and synthesized to map natural isotopic variations (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, δ2H and δ34S) across both forensic decedents and environmental reservoirs. The findings outline a structured, multi-tissue diagnostic cascade governed by biological metabolic turnover rates: unabsorbed gastric chyme provides a direct chemical match to contaminated source food items within a hyper-acute 0–6 h window; high-turnover visceral matrices (liver, blood plasma) shift to reflect acute exposure profiles within 1–7 days; and continuously fixed keratinized matrices (hair, nails) archive multi-month dietary and transcontinental transit histories. Furthermore, compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) of individual amino acids offers unprecedented structural resolution, utilizing the carbon discrimination metric (Δ13Cglu-phe) to differentiate pristine agricultural signatures from endogenous metabolic distortions while biochemically verifying pre-mortem physiological stress and hyper-catabolic muscle wasting. Taphonomic thresholds were explicitly defined, establishing that bulk visceral soft tissues remain isotopically stable (±0.3‰) for up to 48 h at room temperature (~21 °C) before microbially induced nitrogen enrichment (δ15N > +2.8‰) alters native profiles, whereas hair and nail keratin maintain absolute isotopic stability for over 180 days postmortem. When pristine multi-isotope signatures are coupled with mandatory chloroform–methanol lipid extraction and processed through spatial Bayesian assignment models, geographic provenance tracking via environmental isoscapes achieves a predictive accuracy of 97%. This review introduces a standardized environmental health protocol designed to harmonize field environmental sampling with medical autopsies. This protocol provides a legally robust strategy for investigating unresolved lethal foodborne illness case-outbreaks, particularly those involving pediatric mortalities linked to the consumption of counterfeit or fraudulent food products in low- and middle-income countries. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen national and municipal legal frameworks and international biosecurity enforcement. Full article
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25 pages, 16803 KB  
Article
Characteristics and Sources of Ore-Forming Fluids in the Hailijin Uranium Deposit, Songliao Basin
by Ziying Li, Mingming Tian, Menghua Li, Junxian Wang, Jun Ning, Jianfang Cai and Linfei Qiu
Geosciences 2026, 16(8), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16080301 - 28 Jul 2026
Viewed by 476
Abstract
The Hailijin uranium (U) deposit is one of the super-large U-deposits recently discovered in the Qianjiadian ore field, southwestern Songliao Basin. The ore bodies are mainly hosted in the lower member sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation and occur as multilayered tabular [...] Read more.
The Hailijin uranium (U) deposit is one of the super-large U-deposits recently discovered in the Qianjiadian ore field, southwestern Songliao Basin. The ore bodies are mainly hosted in the lower member sandstones of the Upper Cretaceous Yaojia Formation and occur as multilayered tabular bodies. The nature and source of the ore-forming fluids remain unclear, limiting the understanding of the genetic type of the deposit. This study integrated drill-core observation, mineralogy, whole-rock geochemistry, in situ pyrite trace elements and sulfur isotopes, fluid-inclusion, and Raman spectroscopy to constrain ore-forming fluids. The host sandstones experienced hematitization, limonitization, carbonate cementation, clay alteration, sulfidation and bleaching. Pitchblende and coffinite occur as submicron grains in dissolution pores of quartz and feldspar, on clay-mineral surfaces and within mobile organic matter (OM), commonly associated with pyrite and sphalerite. The ores and gray mineralized sandstones are enriched in U, Mo, Re, Co, Ni, Zn and Pb, and syn-ore pyrite shows positive correlations between U and As, Mo, Cu, Zn, Se and Sb. Mineralization-related fluid-inclusion assemblages occur mainly in syn-ore dolomite/ankerite cements and in secondary trails along microfractures in detrital quartz; they yield homogenization temperatures of 130–190 °C and salinities of 3–8 wt.% NaCl eq., higher than the normal burial temperature of the basin (80–90 °C), especially meteoric fluid. Raman and gas-chromatographic analyses indicate carbonaceous matter, CH4, CO2, H2 and minor O2. Pyrite δ34S values of −49.24‰ to −23.1‰ indicate isotopically light reduced sulfur ultimately related to microbial sulfate reduction and/or thermal decomposition of sulfur-bearing OM, whereas thermochemical sulfate reduction was unlikely to be dominant. Therefore, the ore-forming fluid is interpreted as a low-temperature, low-salinity organic-rich fluid, most likely derived from U-enriched source rocks at depth, and the uranium mineralization is closely associated with the exudation of such deep-derived organic fluids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Isotope Geochemistry: New Techniques and Applications)
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19 pages, 9387 KB  
Article
An Alkaloid from Marine Sirastachys pandanicola Inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase Activity
by Yang Man, Zihao Wang, Boyu Chen, Xiaozhen Diao, Hideo Kigoshi, Yiwen Zhao, Jeevithan Elango, Ahsan Javed and Wenhui Wu
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(7), 1127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19071127 - 21 Jul 2026
Viewed by 402
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Marine microorganism metabolites are structurally unique secondary metabolites possessing therapeutic potential. The current study aims to identify a novel ATPase regulator using a newly established bidirectional activity evaluation system to screen for microbial metabolites that inhibit the activities of Na+ [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Marine microorganism metabolites are structurally unique secondary metabolites possessing therapeutic potential. The current study aims to identify a novel ATPase regulator using a newly established bidirectional activity evaluation system to screen for microbial metabolites that inhibit the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase or Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase. Methods: A total of 1258 marine microbial strains were isolated from sea mud in Zhoushan, Zhejiang. Results: The extract of strain ZSDH2536 exhibited Na+-K+ and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase inhibitory activity and was identified as Sirastachys pandanicola based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The secondary metabolite was tentatively identified in the ZSDH2536 strain as a bisindole compound, and named Pandanicoline based on 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The chemical formula of Pandanicoline is C51H68N2O10, with an isotopic mass of 868.4874 Da. The maximum inhibition rate of Pandanicoline on Na+-K+ and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase was 36.37% and 37.27%, respectively. Moreover, in silico analysis also showed the binding energy of Pandanicoline with Na+-K+-ATPase was −9.124 kcal/mol and with the Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase complex was −10.47 kcal/mol. Conclusions: The strain ZSDH2536 represents a promising source of dual inhibitors targeting Na+-K+ and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase. Pandanicoline exhibits potential as a lead compound for regulating ion homeostasis, providing new opportunities for further investigation into its mechanism and therapeutic applications. Full article
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27 pages, 1810 KB  
Article
A Multi-Isotope Approach (δ2H, δ18O, δ13C, δ15N) for Discriminating Raspberry Production Systems and Assessing Agroecosystem Functioning
by Roxana Elena Ionete, Diana Costinel, Ana Maria Simionescu, Marius Gheorghe Miricioiu, Augustina Pruteanu, Aura Irina Istrate and Oana Romina Botoran
Molecules 2026, 31(14), 2459; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31142459 - 14 Jul 2026
Viewed by 461
Abstract
The development of sustainable and climate-resilient food systems increasingly relies on robust analytical methodologies capable of integrating environmental, biochemical, and management-related signals. In this study, a multi-isotope framework based on δ2H, δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N [...] Read more.
The development of sustainable and climate-resilient food systems increasingly relies on robust analytical methodologies capable of integrating environmental, biochemical, and management-related signals. In this study, a multi-isotope framework based on δ2H, δ18O, δ13C, and δ15N was applied to assess its capacity to discriminate between contrasting raspberry production systems and to provide chemically grounded indicators of agroecosystem functioning. Raspberry fruits (Rubus idaeus L.; cultivars Opal and Delniwa) were collected during the 2024–2025 growing seasons from two distinct systems in Romania: an organic open-field system and a rainfed agroforestry system. Stable isotope ratio analysis revealed system-dependent isotopic patterns, with the strongest differentiation observed for δ15N. Nitrogen isotope composition (δ15N) provided the strongest discrimination, with enriched values in organic fruits (2.73–9.77‰) and depleted values in agroforestry fruits (−3.01 to 0.62‰), reflecting differences in nitrogen sources and cycling pathways. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes (δ2H: −60.46 to −4.62‰; δ18O: −6.19 to 10.41‰) were consistent with hydroclimatic variability and evaporative fractionation processes associated with soil–plant–atmosphere interactions. Carbon isotopes (δ13C: −28.14 to −22.62‰) provided complementary insights into plant water-use conditions. Multivariate statistical analysis supported the separation between production systems, while short-term fertilisation effects were secondary to system-level controls. The results suggest that raspberry fruits preserve an integrated isotopic fingerprint of production environment and management practices. From an analytical chemistry perspective, this work highlights the relevance of multi-isotope approaches as transferable tools for food authentication, traceability, and sustainability assessment, contributing to the broader application of stable isotope techniques across complex biological systems. Full article
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18 pages, 14650 KB  
Article
Geology, Fluid Inclusion and Stable Isotope Characteristics of the Litun Skarn Iron Deposit in the North China Craton, Eastern China
by Zhaonian Zhang, Lijun Shen, Lei Zhang, Nengwen Cao, Yang Zhao, Wenhai Huang, Yuzhen Zhu, Xing Wang and Yunhe Lv
Minerals 2026, 16(7), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16070703 - 5 Jul 2026
Viewed by 440
Abstract
The North China Craton hosts abundant skarn iron resources, yet the regional large-scale mineralization mechanism remains incompletely understood. The Litun deposit is a newly discovered skarn iron deposit in the North China Craton. Integrated field geological investigations, petrographic observations, fluid inclusion microthermometry and [...] Read more.
The North China Craton hosts abundant skarn iron resources, yet the regional large-scale mineralization mechanism remains incompletely understood. The Litun deposit is a newly discovered skarn iron deposit in the North China Craton. Integrated field geological investigations, petrographic observations, fluid inclusion microthermometry and stable isotope geochemistry are applied to constrain evaporite contributions to metallogenic processes. Four mineralization stages are identified: skarn, oxide, sulfide, and carbonate. Early skarn-stage fluids are iron-rich magmatic hydrothermal fluids with high temperatures (498 to >550 °C), high salinities (18.6 to 59.4 wt% NaCl eqv.), and magmatic δ18O values of 8.3 to 10.8‰. Subsequent oxide to late carbonate stages record continuous infiltration of meteoric water, supported by H–O isotopic trends of rising meteoric water proportions. Pyrite from the magnetite ores has δ34SV-CDT values between 12.0 and 15.0‰, significantly higher than those of pyrite in the Litun diorite (−0.8 to 1.1‰), indicating the contributions of sulfur from evaporites (δ34SV-CDT 26.9 to 28.6‰) in the mineralization process. Moreover, vein pyrite formed in later stages displays even higher δ34S values (17.3 to 20.9‰), demonstrating progressive enrichment of evaporite-derived sulfur as hydrothermal activity evolves. Synchronous rises in meteoric water fraction and evaporite sulfur proportion indicate evaporites are delivered into the ore-forming system via meteoric water mixing. The mixing of meteoric water containing dissolved evaporites and iron-rich magmatic-hydrothermal fluids may be the major mechanism of magnetite precipitation in the Litun deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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14 pages, 2077 KB  
Article
Cu/TiO2 Derived from Cu-Doped MIL-125 for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2-to-CH4 Conversion
by Haopeng Cui, Zhiying Li, Siyu Huang, Tianyi Zhang, Xiaodong Zhang, Zhongxiao Zhang, Jianqiu Lei and Ning Liu
Molecules 2026, 31(13), 2304; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31132304 - 1 Jul 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 369
Abstract
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction into CH4 is a promising route for solar fuel production, but its efficiency is still limited by poor charge separation, insufficient CO2 activation, and sluggish multi-electron transfer kinetics. Herein, Cu-modified TiO2 (Cu/TiO2) was prepared [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction into CH4 is a promising route for solar fuel production, but its efficiency is still limited by poor charge separation, insufficient CO2 activation, and sluggish multi-electron transfer kinetics. Herein, Cu-modified TiO2 (Cu/TiO2) was prepared by calcining a Cu-modified defective MIL-125(Ti) precursor, denoted as Cu-MIL-125, through a temperature-controlled calcination strategy. The effects of calcination temperature on the structural evolution, surface chemical states, interfacial charge transport, and CO2 photoreduction performance were examined. These results indicated that the Cu/TiO2 was successfully prepared, while the crystallinity, porous structure, and interfacial electronic properties of Cu/TiO2 were strongly dependent on the calcination temperature. Among the obtained samples, the Cu/TiO2 sample obtained by calcining Cu-MIL-125 at 450 °C (450 Cu/TiO2) exhibited the highest CH4 formation rate, reaching 15.90 μmol g−1 h−1, corresponding to an approximately 9.8-fold enhancement over TiO2 calcined from defective MIL-125(Ti) at 450 °C, together with a high CH4 selectivity of 93.05%. Control experiments and 13CO2 isotope-labeling tests confirmed that the detected carbon-containing products were generated from CO2 under photocatalytic conditions. In situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy measurements further revealed the formation of carbonate, bicarbonate and hydrogenated carbon-containing intermediates during the reaction. This work offers a practical route for constructing metal–organic framework-derived Cu/TiO2 photocatalysts for selective CH4 production from CO2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue MOF-Based Catalysts for CO2 Capture and Conversion)
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16 pages, 8316 KB  
Article
Tritium Release and Mechanical Properties of Advanced Tritium Breeder: Li4Si0.8Ti0.2O4 Ceramic Pebbles
by Juemin Yan, Nanlin He, Baoping Gong, Hao Cheng, Long Zhang and Xiaoyu Wang
Materials 2026, 19(12), 2536; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19122536 - 11 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 322
Abstract
Lithium-containing ceramics were significant tritium breeders for the fusion blanket concept, for which tritium release performance and mechanical properties serve as the core indicators for evaluating their performance as tritium breeders. The Li4Si0.8Ti0.2O4 material was designed [...] Read more.
Lithium-containing ceramics were significant tritium breeders for the fusion blanket concept, for which tritium release performance and mechanical properties serve as the core indicators for evaluating their performance as tritium breeders. The Li4Si0.8Ti0.2O4 material was designed as an advanced tritium breeder and fabricated into ceramic pebbles via the freeze-drying method. The tritium release properties of the Li4Si0.8Ti0.2O4 sample pebbles were investigated via temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). The mechanical properties of the same batch of tritium breeder pebbles were analyzed comparatively, specifically examining the change in their compressive strength before and after irradiation. The sample pebbles irradiated with different neutron doses show different tritium release characteristics, and the tritium release temperature was about 293–553 °C. This was due to the H2-tritium isotope exchange reaction, and radiation with different neutron doses will lead to different release temperatures of tritium. The mechanical properties of the Li4Si0.8Ti0.2O4 ceramic pebbles decreased significantly after irradiation. The main reason was that the accumulation of lattice defects and helium bubbles produced by high-energy neutron irradiation leads to internal cracks and helium embrittlement in the material. These results indicate that Li4Si0.8Ti0.2O4 solid solution may be considered a potential candidate for tritium breeder materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced and Functional Ceramics and Glasses)
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23 pages, 9760 KB  
Article
Ore Genesis of the Dajing Cu–Sn Polymetallic Deposit in the Southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China: Constraints from In Situ S-Pb Isotope and Electron-Microprobe Data of Sulfides
by Yanping He, Zhenjun Sun, Wentan Xu, Henan Yu, Yunsheng Ren, Zhenzhen Li, Mengfan Guan and Zhiwen Zhen
Minerals 2026, 16(6), 589; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060589 - 1 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 436
Abstract
The Dajing giant Cu–Sn polymetallic deposit is located in the Cu–Sn–Ag–Pb–Zn polymetallic belt of the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. Research on its ore genesis is of great significance for understanding Sn polymetallic mineralization in this region. In this study, pyrite, arsenopyrite, [...] Read more.
The Dajing giant Cu–Sn polymetallic deposit is located in the Cu–Sn–Ag–Pb–Zn polymetallic belt of the southern Great Xing’an Range, NE China. Research on its ore genesis is of great significance for understanding Sn polymetallic mineralization in this region. In this study, pyrite, arsenopyrite, and sphalerite were analyzed by electron-microprobe analysis (EMPA) and in situ S–Pb isotope analysis. Previously published fluid-inclusion microthermometric and H–O isotope data were also incorporated to constrain fluid evolution and ore genesis. Both in situ S and Pb isotopic compositions fall within short ranges. The δ34S values suggest a sulfur reservoir with possible magmatic contribution, whereas Pb isotopes indicate a mainly crustal Pb signature in an orogenic setting. Arsenopyrite records variations in As, S, Fe, and Co contents from core to rim. The Co-rich core shows Co enrichment accompanied by Fe depletion, consistent with Co-for-Fe isomorphous substitution. These features indicate changes in local fluid chemistry during arsenopyrite growth. Sulfur isotope geothermometry based on coexisting late-stage pyrite–sphalerite pairs yields 118–233 °C, with an average of 159 ± 49 °C, indicating medium- to low-temperature hydrothermal activity during the late sulfide stage. The Dajing deposit is interpreted as a fault-controlled hydrothermal vein-type Cu–Sn polymetallic deposit formed in a Late Jurassic extensional setting. Ore precipitation was likely promoted by cooling during upward fluid migration away from the magmatic heat source, pressure release, meteoric-water mixing, and fluid–rock interaction with granitic rocks and Linxi Formation wall rocks. This study provides mineral-scale constraints on fluid evolution and ore genesis in the Great Xing’an metallogenic belt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mineral Deposits)
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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 599
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 498
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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17 pages, 2957 KB  
Article
Characterizing Ethnomedicinal Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg Grown Under Different Cultivation Methods Using Stable Isotopes and Elemental Analyses
by Chunan Wang, Xianbo Wang, Hanyi Mei, Yongzhi Zhang, Chunlin Li, Karyne M. Rogers, Zuguang Li, Yuwei Yuan and Jing Nie
Plants 2026, 15(10), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15101589 - 21 May 2026
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Abstract
Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a high-value edible and medicinal homologous plant, routinely grown under conventional field or greenhouse production systems across Asia. However, mislabeling of conventional products as the rarer (and more expensive) wild version may occur for financial gain. In [...] Read more.
Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a high-value edible and medicinal homologous plant, routinely grown under conventional field or greenhouse production systems across Asia. However, mislabeling of conventional products as the rarer (and more expensive) wild version may occur for financial gain. In this study, stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, and δ18O) and metal contents (Cr, Cu, Ni, As, Cd, Pb) were used to characterize plant tissues (tuber root, stem, leaf) and corresponding soils originating from simulated-wild-cultivated (WC) and greenhouse-cultivated (GC) pot trials using the same soil. Carbon and nitrogen isotopes served as key indicators for distinguishing GC and WC products. Specifically, δ13C values of GC plant tissues were 1.4 to 2.4‰ more positive than those of WC plant tissues (p < 0.05), and δ15N values in GC tissues were 2.7 to 4.6‰ more positive than δ15N in WC tissues (p < 0.01). Lower δ15N values observed in WC products indicate slower nitrogen turnover compared with GC products. Soil metal concentrations had significant differences between the two cultivation systems, but only limited effects on metal bioconcentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) in T. hemsleyanum tissues. Pb and Cd concentrations in root tissues had large differences between cultivation systems, and carbon dynamics in GC plants were more negatively affected by Pb levels in soils. These findings provide the first investigation of T. hemsleyanum grown under different cultivation practices and establish a scientific basis for distinguishing other wild or simulated-wild labeled food and medicinal plant products from conventionally grown products in future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Response to Abiotic Stress and Climate Change)
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25 pages, 23809 KB  
Article
Fluorite Mineralization in the Chutuan and Jiashan Deposits, Sulu Orogenic Belt, Eastern China: Insights from Geochronology, Mineral Geochemistry, Fluid Inclusions and Stable Isotope Systematics
by Tao Kang, Meng-Ting Chen, Hai-Tao Ren, Yi-Hua Hu, Shuo-Hui Li, Peng Zhu, Zhao-Ying Chen and Yi-Jia Luo
Minerals 2026, 16(5), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16050537 - 16 May 2026
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Abstract
The Chutuan and Jiashan fluorite deposits are situated in the Donghai–Linshu area within the southwestern segment of the Sulu ultrahigh–pressure metamorphic belt. Both deposits share similar mineralization characteristics, with fluorite veins strictly controlled by fault structures and associated with mineral assemblages comprising fluorite, [...] Read more.
The Chutuan and Jiashan fluorite deposits are situated in the Donghai–Linshu area within the southwestern segment of the Sulu ultrahigh–pressure metamorphic belt. Both deposits share similar mineralization characteristics, with fluorite veins strictly controlled by fault structures and associated with mineral assemblages comprising fluorite, barite, quartz, and calcite. Two mineralization stages have been identified in both deposits: Stage I (quartz–fluorite–barite stage), representing the main ore–forming event, and Stage II (quartz–barite–calcite stage). This study focuses on integrated geochemical and geochronological analyses of fluorite from Stage I, providing new constraints on the genesis and metallogenic processes of these deposits. Direct Sm–Nd isotopic dating of fluorite yields an isochron age of 104 ± 16 Ma, indicating that mineralization occurred during the late Early Cretaceous. Fluid inclusion and stable isotope studies reveal that the ore–forming fluids constitute a complex hydrothermal system characterized by a wide temperature range (112–324 °C) and variable salinities (0.18–21.87 wt% NaCl eq.). The H–O isotopic compositions exhibit a distinct latitudinal trend, supporting a dominant meteoric water component. However, the presence of high–temperature, high–salinity fluid inclusions, along with a shift in some δD values towards the magmatic water field, suggests episodic mixing between meteoric water and deep–seated magmatic–hydrothermal fluids. Sr–Nd isotopic data (87Sr/86Sr = 0.711785–0.713424; εNd(t)= −27.7 to −27.5) potentially demonstrate that the ore–forming materials (Ca and REEs) were not derived from coeval magmatic rocks. Instead, they were primarily leached from the Precambrian Donghai Group metamorphic complex through extensive water–rock interaction. Based on these findings, the Chutuan and Jiashan deposits are classified as hydrothermal vein–type systems. Fluorite precipitation was governed by a combination of fluid cooling, water–rock interaction, and fluid mixing. Finally, a metallogenic model is established, offering important insights into the genesis of fluorite mineralization in the Sulu Orogenic Belt and analogous geological settings in eastern China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geochemistry and Genesis of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits, 2nd Edition)
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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 521
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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