Search Results (4,670)

Long-term reliance on mineral fertilizers may degrade soil structure and weaken carbon and nitrogen retention in rice–wheat rotation systems. Organic amendments combined with mineral fertilizers can provide organic substrates, promote aggregate formation, and improve soil C–N retention, but the contrasting effects of plant- and animal-derived amendments remain unclear. A long-term field experiment initiated in 2012 in Chaohu, China, compared no fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), chemical fertilizer plus oil cake (OC), and chemical fertilizer plus cattle manure (CM). At wheat maturity in 2025, soil aggregate distribution, stability, aggregate-associated soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), C and N contribution rates, and yield components were determined; wheat yield was further evaluated using annual records from 2021 to 2025. Compared with CK, OC and CM increased water-stable macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) by 17.35% and 17.94% and reduced aggregate destruction by 54.61% and 53.57%, respectively. In large macroaggregates (>2 mm), OC and CM increased SOC by 58.30% and 84.83% and TN by 141.76% and 200.00%, respectively. Five-year mean yield increased by 208.09%, 240.78%, and 225.15% under CF, OC, and CM, respectively, relative to CK, but did not differ significantly among fertilized treatments. Overall, oil cake showed a numerical advantage in maintaining wheat yield, whereas cattle manure had greater potential to improve aggregate-scale C–N retention and soil structural stability. Full article

Microbial functional traits play a central role in regulating carbon mineralization efficiency (CME) in peatlands, yet how they respond to concurrent warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition remains unclear. In this study, peat soils from three vegetation types (sedge, reed, and shrub) were subjected to controlled microcosm incubations simulating warming and nitrogen addition gradients. Microbial community composition and functional profiles were characterized using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) functional prediction, while dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition was analyzed via excitation–emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) and fluorescence indices. Integrating correlation analysis, Random Forest, and partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) modeling, we identified microbial functional traits as key factors linking environmental changes to soil CME, with DOM serving as a substrate-mediated pathway. External nitrogen input primarily drove shifts in microbial functional composition, whereas warming modulated substrate utilization preferences and DOM turnover. The interaction between warming and nitrogen selectively reshaped microbial functional profiles, thereby jointly determining CME. Functional traits explained more variation in CME than taxonomic composition, indicating a “structure–function decoupling” under environmental change. These findings highlight the central role of microbial functional traits in peatland carbon transformation and suggest that the net response of peatland carbon emissions to future environmental change will depend critically on the balance between warming magnitude and nitrogen deposition levels. Full article

Heterogeneous reactions on mineral dust surfaces during dust storm events significantly influence atmospheric chemistry by modifying aerosol composition. This study employed high-resolution scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to investigate the morphology and elemental composition of dust particles collected during four dust events in Qinhuangdao, a coastal city in Northern China. The results revealed that clay minerals were the most abundant (53.5% ± 13.7%), followed by feldspar (12.0% ± 3.6%), quartz (11.9% ± 3.2%) and carbonate minerals (7.3% ± 4.1%). In contrast, sulfate and NaCl particles constituted only a minor fraction, representing 1.1% and 0.9% of the particles, respectively. Elemental analysis indicated that sulfur (S)-containing particles, although scarce during the initial stages, increased as the dust storms evolved, eventually accounting for about half of the particles by the end of the events. This trend suggests increasing heterogeneous processing on dust particle surfaces. Furthermore, single-particle analysis demonstrated a marked increase in chlorine (Cl)-containing particles (excluding NaCl) from 2.4% at the onset to 30.9% ± 16.5% by the end of the dust events. In contrast to studies conducted in inland cities, where Cl-containing particles are seldom observed, our findings underscore the crucial role of marine aerosols in facilitating the chlorine enrichment of dust particles in coastal atmospheric environments. Overall, these findings provide new insights into the aging processes of mineral dust in coastal atmospheres and suggest potential interactions between dust particles and marine aerosols during heterogeneous halogen and sulfur processing in dust events. Full article

The stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) in high-latitude permafrost regions plays a critical role in the global carbon balance. However, a systematic understanding of SOC pool fractions and their response to warming across different wetland types in the Great Hing’an Mountains remains lacking. In this study, soil samples were collected from forested, shrub, and herbaceous wetlands at depths of 0–60 cm and incubated at 5, 10 and 15 °C. A three-pool first-order kinetic model was employed to analyze SOC mineralization characteristics, carbon pool fractions, and influencing factors. The results showed that SOC mineralization rates exhibited a pattern of rapid increase followed by a peak and gradual decline over time, decreased with soil depth, and increased with temperature. The mineralization potential followed the order of shrub wetlands > herbaceous wetlands > forest wetlands. The temperature sensitivity (Q₁₀) was lowest in the deep soil layer of shrub wetlands (1.2), whereas a deeper soil layer of forest wetlands exhibited the highest Q₁₀ value (3.5). Across the three wetland types, SOC was dominated by the inert carbon pool (61–72%), with forest wetlands showing the highest proportion of inert carbon (72%). The active carbon pool in shrub wetlands was most sensitive to warming, while herbaceous wetlands had the largest inert carbon stock. Soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with the inert carbon pool, whereas soil moisture content showed a significantly positive correlation. Path analysis further revealed that SOC had the largest total effect on inert carbon accumulation, whereas available nitrogen and pH showed the strongest direct associations with Q₁₀. Wetland type was indirectly associated with inert carbon stocks through its influence on soil moisture, pH, SOC, and available nitrogen. These results highlight that both direct and indirect pathways jointly influence SOC stability in permafrost wetlands. Overall, Wetland type and soil physicochemical properties jointly regulate SOC stability and its response to warming. These results suggest that although forest wetlands possess stronger carbon stability, their stable carbon pools may become increasingly vulnerable under climate warming. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw-return can improve soil carbon (C) sequestration, but its adoption in intensive rice systems is limited by short fallow periods (<30 days), which likely lead to incomplete straw decomposition and increase methane emissions under continuous flooding (CF). Brittle rice straw, characterized by lower recalcitrant fiber content and rapid decomposition, may overcome this constraint; however, its environmental performance under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) remains unclear, such as broader C allocation. This 150-day microcosm study evaluated the interaction of straw type (brittle vs. non-brittle) and water management (CF vs. AWD) on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, dissolved C production, soil C storage, and aggregate formation in two contrasting paddy soils (sandy loam vs. silty clay loam). Compared with non-brittle straw, brittle straw returns reduced net GHG emissions by approximately 28.4% under CF and 39.6% under AWD. The combination of brittle straw with AWD produced the lowest net GHG emissions (0.61 kg CO₂-eq m⁻²), indicating that intermittent oxygen input effectively mitigated the early decomposition-related emission risk. Brittle straw also increased the concentrations of dissolved inorganic C by 14.2% and nitrate by 64.3% under AWD, suggesting enhanced mineralization and potential inorganic C stabilization. Regardless of straw type, straw return improved soil C stocks by 27.3% in sandy loam and 29.6% in silty clay loam, while also promoting macroaggregate formation. Overall, this study demonstrated that coupling brittle rice straw with AWD can reduce GHG emissions while maintaining soil C benefits, offering a promising residue management strategy for intensive rice cultivation. Full article

This study is a systematical investigation of the fundamental geological conditions for shale gas in the Wufeng–Longmaxi formations in western Hubei, China, using drilling core data, with Well Xiandi-2 serving as the key well for core observation and experimental testing, integrated with outcrop profiles and regional provincial-level shale gas block data. The analysis encompasses petrology, organic geochemistry, mineral composition, physical properties, pore types, and gas content. Through a comprehensive comparison with established shale gas production fields in the Sichuan Basin, the shale gas resource potential of the study area is evaluated, and favorable zones for shale gas exploration are delineated. The results indicate that the study area contains a continuous organic-rich shale interval with a 18.84 m net thickness, 2.3% average total organic carbon, 65–89% brittle mineral content, 2.36% average porosity, and thermal maturity within the gas window. Systematic comparison with the Jiaoshiba and Changning fields confirms comparable geological attributes, including organic matter abundance, reservoir porosity, and brittle mineralogy. Given this comparability, areas with burial depths shallower than 1500 m on the northwestern margin of the Xuefeng Uplift are interpreted to retain moderate shale gas resource potential. Three favorable zones are delineated as priority targets: the synclines on both sides of the Longtan normal fault and the Lianghekou Syncline. These findings provide practical exploration value: the identified favorable zones offer immediate drilling targets, the analytical workflow is transferable to other structurally complex blocks on the basin margin, and the potential of shallow-buried sequences expands exploration beyond the core Sichuan Basin into previously overlooked transitional zones. Full article

Soil degradation driven by inappropriate soil management is a serious global challenge, while climate change-induced yield declines are increasing the conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural land. This review examines how soil structure influences soil health, focusing on organo-mineral complexes derived from microbial biomass and soil organic carbon-to-clay (SOC/Clay) ratio as an indicator of structural quality. Regenerative agriculture based on conservation farming practices helps mitigate SOC depletion and aligns with the nature-based solutions framework. In Hokkaido, Japan, 10 years of clean agricultural applications (cover crops and organic matter application) increased SOC storage in farmland affected by volcanic eruption. This was associated with improved bulk density, porosity, cation exchange capacity, and phosphate absorption capacity, indicating improved soil health. The increased SOC rose SOC/Clay ratio to levels comparable with unaffected farmland (≥1/13). When the SOC/Clay ratio exceeded 1/13 (soil carbon storage level of 30 t C/ha/15 cm), carbon sequestration rate became negative. This suggests that improved soil health and structural quality may promote carbon saturation and stimulate microbial decomposition of existing SOC. While the threshold for SOC/Clay ratio varies depending on soil type, vegetation type, climatic conditions, and land use, changes in the SOC/Clay ratio can provide insights into changes in soil health and structural quality. Full article

The Lower Carboniferous Um Bogma Formation in southwestern Sinai has sixteen paleokarst structures at Allouga, Abu Thor, and Abu Zarab. Each structure contains high uranium concentrations. These occur in a lateritic infill sequence formed along the southern Tethyan margin. Radiometric reconnaissance in this sector of the Arabian–Nubian Shield has been ongoing for decades. However, the mineralogical character of assemblages in the region was never systematically documented. This study uses multiple techniques to characterize both radioactive and non-radioactive mineral assemblages from paleokarst-fill materials at all sites. Geochemical analysis was used to clarify uranium fixation and ore genesis. Nine radioactive minerals were identified: carnotite, autunite, torbernite, uranophane, uranothorite, thorite, chalcophanite, natroboltwoodite, and soddyite. Eight nonradioactive accessory phases were also found: zircon, monazite, malachite, atacamite, jarosite, rutile, arsenopyrite, and paratacamite. Geochemical data indicate that iron oxide surface adsorption is the dominant mechanism of uranium fixation. A strong positive correlation between uranium and Fe₂O₃ (r = 0.98), together with negative correlations with carbonate-associated elements (CaO, MgO, Na₂O), supports this interpretation. Therefore, uranium is classified as a supergene, low-grade ore. It is concentrated during laterite maturation in paleokarst cavities. Its distribution is governed by ferruginous siltstone lithofacies, not the enclosing carbonate host. These findings offer a reference paragenetic framework for secondary uranium metallogenesis in Carboniferous carbonate terrains of the Arabian–Nubian Shield. They also provide a mineralogical template for exploration in similar paleokarst-hosted systems across the Arabian Platform. Full article

To clarify the hydrocarbon-generation potential of deep source rocks in the Qingyang Gas Field, this study focuses on the Shanxi and Taiyuan Formation source rocks at burial depths of 4000–5000 m. Integrated organic geochemical analyses were conducted to investigate organic matter abundance, kerogen type, thermal maturity, hydrocarbon-generation conditions, and their significance for natural gas accumulation. The TOC values of the 12 valid mudstone samples range from 0.07% to 2.53%, with an average of 0.77%, indicating generally poor to fair organic matter abundance. Rock-Eval results show that S2 values range from 0.0681 to 6.2797 mg/g, with an average of 1.5946 mg/g, whereas S1 + S2 values range from 0.0948 to 6.9066 mg/g, with an average of 1.8582 mg/g, indicating generally limited Rock-Eval hydrocarbon-generating capacity, with local improvement. The kerogen assemblage is heterogeneous and is generally dominated by Type III humic kerogen, with subordinate Type II components and minor Type I components in some samples, indicating mixed organic-matter input but an overall gas-prone character. Tmax values range from 420 to 482 °C; however, because Tmax may be unreliable in samples with very low S2 values, thermal maturity was evaluated mainly using vitrinite reflectance and natural gas geochemical evidence. R_o values range from 2.03% to 2.22%, with an average of 2.11%, indicating that the source rocks have reached a high- to overmature stage. The natural gas is methane-rich, with an average methane content of 91.73% and an average heavy hydrocarbon content of only 0.16%, indicating a typical dry-gas composition. The carbon isotope values of methane and ethane are both negative, with δ¹³C₁ values ranging from −35.59‰ to −20.65‰ and δ¹³C₂ values ranging from −37.82‰ to −28.44‰, consistent with high-maturity coal-derived gas generated from humic organic matter. The formation water is mainly medium- to high-salinity CaCl₂ type, indicating a relatively closed hydrologic environment favorable for natural gas preservation. Clay mineral assemblages dominated by kaolinite and illite provide supplementary evidence for depositional conditions, burial diagenesis, and fluid–rock interaction. Overall, although the Rock-Eval hydrocarbon-generating capacity of the Shanxi and Taiyuan Formation source rocks is generally limited, the Type III-dominated mixed kerogen, high- to overmature R_o values, methane-rich dry-gas composition, and carbon isotope characteristics collectively indicate that these source rocks experienced effective natural gas generation during geological evolution and are genetically related to the present deep natural gas accumulation. This study provides fundamental geochemical constraints for further integrated exploration and evaluation of the deep coal-measure gas system in the Qingyang Gas Field. Full article

Calcium carbide slag is a highly alkaline solid waste generated during acetylene production, but its long-term accumulation causes land occupation and persistent environmental risks such as soil alkalinization and water pollution. To support circular economy and carbon emission reduction goals, in this study, we develop an integrated physical decontamination–mineralization process combining calcination, magnetic separation, sedimentation, and CO₂ mineralization. After calcination, magnetic separation, and 8 h of gravity sedimentation, the removal efficiency of Si reaches about 67% (residual Si content reduces to 0.43%), while those of Fe and Al are 75.4% and 74.2%, respectively. The purified calcium-rich slurry is then used for CO₂ mineralization. Under a solid-to-liquid ratio of 10% and a CO₂ flow rate of 0.4 L/min, CO₂ is fixed as carbonate solids, yielding calcite-type CaCO₃ with 97.88% ± 0.35% purity. This process is centered on physical separation and uses no acids, alkalis, or ammonium salts, avoiding secondary pollution while achieving waste valorization and permanent CO₂ sequestration. In this study, we provide a scalable, low-impact pathway for alkaline solid waste valorization and carbon emission reduction, contributing to sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13). Full article

Lithofacies characterization of organic-rich shales constitutes the essential foundation for sweet spot evaluation in lacustrine shale oil systems. This study targets the first member of the Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou Formation (K₂qn¹) in the southern Songliao Basin. Based on systematic core description of 908 m of core from eight cored wells, combined with 123 total organic carbon (TOC) measurements, 47 whole-rock X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, 29 major- and trace-element analyses, and six maceral identification datasets (≥500 organic particles counted per sample), together with conventional well log data from 75 wells (measured vitrinite reflectance $R_o$ = 0.34%–1.38%, mean = 0.94%), we establish an integrated lithofacies classification scheme incorporating the TOC as a classification parameter and develop a log-based lithofacies identification workflow. Eight lithofacies are recognized within K₂qn¹ across the study area, of which three are organic-rich. The high-TOC clay-rich mudstone-grade laminated shale deposited in a deep lake setting (LF-A; mean TOC = 3.18%, clay minerals ≥50%, formed under saline and strongly anoxic-euxinic conditions; mean paleosalinity = 8.06‰, V/(V + Ni) = 0.75–0.97) and the high-to-moderate-TOC felsic mudstone-grade laminated shale deposited in a semi-deep lake setting (LF-B; mean TOC = 2.18%, felsic minerals ≥50%, formed under brackish-to-saline anoxic conditions; mean paleosalinity = 5.10‰, V/(V + Ni) = 0.70–0.84) constitute the dominant organic-rich lithofacies. From Y1 to Y3, the cumulative thickness of organic-rich lithofacies expands from approximately 10 m to approximately 25 m. Areally, the mean TOC increases systematically from 1.65% in the southern delta-front zone to 2.74% in the northern deep lake center, reflecting an enrichment pattern governed primarily by paleoproductivity and modulated jointly by preservation conditions and terrigenous dilution. The log-based identification workflow, established by integrating a modified ΔlogR method with multiple linear regression, achieves a TOC prediction coefficient of determination of $R^2=0.86$ in the calibration well and lithofacies identification accuracies ranging from 64.6% to 94.0% in validation wells, with the highest performance observed in the delta-front facies zone. These results provide quantitative constraints for the genetic interpretation and log-based identification of organic-rich lacustrine shales. Full article

Wheat straw is a plant-derived substrate rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin and represents a major carbon input to agricultural soils. Mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) is the most stable soil carbon pool, yet how mineral structure regulates the stability of straw-derived MAOC through microbial processing remains unclear. Here, straw-derived MAOC was formed in artificial soils containing five clay minerals (halloysite, kaolinite, illite, vermiculite, and montmorillonite) during a two-year incubation, followed by a 45-day incubation with a standardized microbial community to quantify CO₂ emission and net carbon balance. Mineral type regulated MAOC mineralization (38.54–54.48 mg C g⁻¹ MAOC). Vermiculite produced the highest CO₂ emission but maintained a positive net carbon balance, whereas illite showed net carbon loss (−0.53 g kg⁻¹). Kaolinite, halloysite, and montmorillonite exhibited lower mineralization and retained net carbon. The 2:1 clay minerals enhanced interlayer interactions and favored accumulation of C=O and aromatic compounds, reflecting stronger microbial transformation and residue retention. In contrast, 1:1 minerals stabilized carbon via edge hydroxyl bonding, which restricted substrate accessibility and slowed decomposition. Cumulative mineralization decreased with initial MAOC carbon but increased with dissolved organic carbon and bacterial abundance. Net carbon retention increased with N-acetylglucosaminidase activity and fungal abundance, indicating joint microbial control via nutrient acquisition and fungal processing. Two contrasting stabilization regimes were observed: high turnover driven by vermiculite and halloysite, and strong protection dominated by montmorillonite and kaolinite. These differences indicate that MAOC stability is jointly constrained by mineral-regulated accessibility and microbial transformation processes. Full article

Continuous discharges from diverse industrial activities have severely degraded the water quality of the Lerma River, turning it into a major environmental, social, and public health concern. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are often insufficient for eliminating persistent and refractory organic pollutants; therefore, the implementation of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is increasingly required to restore water quality. In this context, the present study systematically evaluated the individual and combined effects of ozonation and electrochemical oxidation using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes for the treatment of contaminated river water. Ozonation alone achieved an 89% reduction in turbidity and a 19% decrease in total organic carbon (TOC), while electrochemical oxidation reduced turbidity by 82% and TOC by 57%. Remarkably, the simultaneous application of both treatments resulted in a 98% reduction in turbidity and an 80% decrease in TOC, clearly demonstrating a strong synergistic effect. Regarding true color at 436 nm, associated with yellow chromophore compounds, removal efficiencies of 98.9%, 94.7%, and 67.3% were obtained for the combined process, electrochemical oxidation, and ozonation, respectively. Phytotoxicity tests with Lactuca sativa seeds showed no statistically significant difference in toxicity in water treated with the O₃–EO System compared to raw water. These results highlight, for the first time under real river water conditions, the superior performance of the integrated O₃–EO system as an effective strategy for the intensified degradation and partial mineralization of persistent organic contaminants, thereby underscoring its strong potential for advanced remediation of heavily polluted surface waters. Full article

The soil of Siraitia grosvenorii (LHG) farmland often suffers from acidification, compaction, and declining organic matter content. As biochar helps improve soil quality and enhance soil carbon sequestration capacity, an increasing number of studies are utilizing biochar for soil quality improvement. To address the soil degradation problem in LHG farmland and achieve the goals of soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and nutrient increase, we conducted a 100-day indoor constant-temperature incubation experiment by adding different proportions of LHG vine biochar. We analyzed the changes in SOC mineralization, different carbon fractions, and soil nutrient content in LHG farmland. The main results showed that, compared with the control group, the cumulative mineralization (CumulMine) of SOC increased by 3% to 51%, and organic carbon content increased by 52.43% to 193.87%. As the LHG vine biochar application rate increased, the metabolic entropy (qCO₂) rose, whereas the microbial entropy (qMBC) showed an opposite trend. Similarly, compared with the control group, the addition of 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% LC increased water-soluble organic carbon by 45.87 mg·kg⁻¹, 67.00 mg·kg⁻¹, and 81.73 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, and soil nutrients also increased, but microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC) contents decreased. The main conclusions indicate that adding LHG vine biochar increases SOC content, which is associated with reduced microbial activity. Biochar-derived DOC may serve as a substrate for microbial respiration, thereby contributing to increased CO₂ release and accelerated nutrient release. The application of LHG vine biochar enhanced the carbon sequestration capacity of LHG farmland soil while improving soil nutrient content, with the 4% application rate treatment performing the best. Full article

Mercury pollution from artisanal and small-scale gold mining remains one of the most persistent environmental threats due to the high toxicity, mobility, and bioaccumulation of Hg(II). In this work, Colombian banana pseudostem waste is valorized into a lignocellulosic carbocatalyst through pyrolysis at 500 °C followed by MnCO₃-derived MnOx functionalization, producing a sustainable material for Hg(II) remediation. The transformation of the biomass leads from a fibrous structure (~25 µm) to a pyrolyzed carbon matrix (9.56 µm), and finally to a heterogeneous Mn-modified system with bimodal particle distribution (~25 µm and ~0.85 µm), the latter being associated with highly dispersed MnOx redox-active domains. Structural and textural analyses reveal that Mn incorporation significantly enhances surface properties, increasing the BET surface area from 140.8 to 213 m² g⁻¹ while reducing pore size to the meso–microporous range (~1.9 nm). Importantly, the material retains intrinsic minerals such as Ca, Mg, K, and Si, which contribute to surface basicity and ion-exchange capacity, supporting additional Hg(II) interaction pathways. Optical and electronic characterization shows a wide band gap semiconductor behavior (≈3.4 eV) and a conduction band position at −0.892 V vs. NHE, sufficiently negative to thermodynamically drive Hg²⁺ reduction to Hg⁰ under UV-A irradiation. Hg(II) quantification was validated using a UV–Vis method based on the Hg²⁺–dipicolinic acid (DPA) complex, confirming stable complex formation with 1:2 stoichiometry (Hg²⁺:DPA) and high analytical reliability (R² = 0.948, LOD = 1.85 mg L⁻¹). Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated negligible Hg(II) reduction under UV-A light in the absence of catalyst, whereas the carbon-based materials enabled significant Hg transformation through adsorption-assisted photoinduced electron transfer. Electrochemical analyses (Rct ≈ 11 Ω) confirmed efficient charge transport, while cyclic voltammetry evidenced reversible Mn(IV)/Mn(III)/Mn(II) redox cycling, which sustains electron mediation during photocatalysis. Overall, pristine biochar acts primarily through adsorption driven by oxygenated functional groups and porous structure, whereas Mn-functionalized biochar operates via a synergistic adsorption–photocatalytic mechanism. In this system, MnOx species function as redox-active centers that facilitate electron transfer from the carbon matrix to Hg(II), while the conductive lignocellulosic-derived framework enhances charge mobility. The combination of structural carbon stability, dispersed Mn active sites, and inherent mineral functionality establishes a highly efficient and sustainable carbocatalyst, demonstrating a green and scalable approach for mercury remediation in mining-impacted regions. Full article