Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Kerstin Kuhn, Simon Goldmann, Dieter Rammlmair, Daniel Goldmann, Hao Qiu
Summary: Based on automated mineralogy and chemical analysis, this study investigated the slags from the Kanstein Pb/Ag smelter. The results showed that the weathering phases were the main carriers of metal(loid)s, while glass, metals and compounds, sulphides, silicates, and oxides could also contain significant amounts of metal(loid)s.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Frank Bullerjahn, Gerd Bolte
Summary: This study investigates the composition and reactivity of engineered slags made from bauxite residue and electric arc furnace slag. The addition of limestone and anhydrite enhances their hydraulic reactivity.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Geology
Zdenek Dolnicek, Jana Ulmanova, Jiri Sejkora, Frantisek Knizek, Pavel Skacha
Summary: A detailed study was conducted on the Pb-Zn-Sb-Ag mineralization of the H32A vein in the Haje deposit, Czech Republic. The study revealed the formation stages, mineral assemblage, and fluid inclusion characteristics of the ore. The ore zone is close to a tectonic zone and is dominated by carbonates. The fluid inclusion study showed wide ranges of temperature and salinity of exclusively aqueous fluids. Sulphur isotope disequilibrium was found between co-existing minerals. The calculated fluid delta C-13 values indicate a well-mixed source of carbon. The calculated fluid delta O-18 values suggest deep circulation of the fluid and possible sourcing from evaporated freshwater basins.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jaroslav Kapusta, Zdenek Dolnicek, Ondra Sracek, Karel Maly
Summary: The aim of this study was to characterize historical slags from the Jihlava ore district in the Czech Republic, which were generated during silver production. The study identified two main types of slags in the district, high BaO slags and fayalitic slags. The slags had complex compositions, consisting mainly of pyrite, sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, and silver-bearing minerals, with gangue represented by quartz and Mn-rich carbonates or baryte. Fluxes for smelting were derived from gangue or local host rocks. Melting temperatures were estimated using ternary plots and experimental determination, with reliable estimates obtained around 1100-1200 degrees C.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueyi Guo, Beikai Zhang, Qinmeng Wang, Zhongchen Li, Qinghua Tian
Summary: In this study, CaCl2 was used as a chlorination agent to recycle zinc and lead from copper smelting slags. The results showed that the recovery ratio of zinc and lead reached 74.74% and 94.72% under typical conditions. However, excessively high roasting temperatures and long roasting time can negatively impact the metal recovery ratio.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenshun Ke, Jiaqing Zeng, Feng Zhu, Xinghua Luo, Jingpei Feng, Jin He, Shengguo Xue
Summary: This study investigated the spatial distribution and geochemical partitioning of heavy metals (HMs) in soil samples from an abandoned lead smelting site. The results showed that As, Pb and Cd posed serious threats to soil quality with high spatial heterogeneity. The study also identified the major mineral hosts for HMs and found that quartz, montmorillonite, and goethite were closely associated with HMs minerals in contaminated soils, limiting their vertical migration and potential risks to groundwater.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Mineralogy
Pavel Skacha, Jiri Sejkora, Jakub Plasil, Zdenek Dolnicek, Jana Ulmanova
Summary: The new mineral grimmite was discovered in the dump of a mine in central Bohemia, Czech Republic. It has unique color and structural characteristics. Detailed analysis was conducted on its chemical composition and crystal structure.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MINERALOGY
(2021)
Article
Mineralogy
Jiri Sejkora, Pavel Skacha, Jakub Plasil, Zdenek Dolnicek, Jana Ulmanova
Summary: Hrabakite, a new mineral discovered in the abandoned mines of central Bohemia, Czech Republic, is found in association with various other minerals. It has unique physical properties and crystal forms, and is named after a former professor of the Pribram Mining College.
MINERALOGICAL MAGAZINE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yaoqiang Ma, ChenChen Li, Jin Yan, Hanjing Yu, Huiying Kan, Wanquan Yu, Xinyu Zhou, Qi Meng, Peng Dong
Summary: Mining and smelting are major contributors to soil heavy metal pollution. While leaching and release of heavy metals from soils have been extensively studied, there is a lack of research on the release behavior of heavy metals from smelting slag from a mineralogical perspective. This study focuses on the pollution of arsenic and chromium by traditional pyrometallurgical lead-zinc smelting slag in southwest China. It investigates the release behavior of heavy metals in smelting slag based on mineralogy analysis. The results indicate that the weathering degree of slag is positively correlated with the bioavailability of heavy metals. The leaching experiment reveals that higher pH promotes the release of arsenic and chromium. It is also found that the chemical forms of arsenic and chromium change during leaching, with pyrite coating playing a crucial role in controlling their release.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ndiye M. Kebonye, Peter N. Eze, Kingsley John, Prince C. Agyeman, Karel Nemecek, Lubos Boruvka
Summary: This study provides a detailed assessment of PTEs in highly polluted floodplain topsoil samples from the Litavka River in Czech Republic, with elements like Zn, As, and Pb being identified as enriched. Children were found to have higher health risks from all PTEs compared to adults, especially with elevated levels of As, Zr, and Pb.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geology
Petr Mikysek, Tomas Zikmund, Marek Dosbaba, Adam Brinek, Marek Slobodnik, Jiri Adamovic, Noemi Meszarosova, Tomas Trojek, Jozef Kaiser
Summary: The multi-level visualization of U-Zr mineralization in sandstones identified mineral phases, their distribution, and U-rich domains using XRF and TIMA analysis. The study confirmed the presence of detrital and authigenic accessories, showing hydrozircon and metacolloidal mixed phases as carriers of uranium, closely related to sulfides, Fe oxyhydroxides, and clay minerals.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jiri Sejkora, Zdenek Dolnicek, Jiri Zacharias, Jana Ulmanova, Vladimir Srein, Pavel Skacha
Summary: This study conducted a mineralogical and fluid inclusion investigation on an Au-bearing quartz-sulfide vein in the Bytiz deposit of the Pribram uranium and base-metal district, Czech Republic. The study revealed that the vein is composed of various minerals including quartz, illite-muscovite, chlorite, arsenopyrite, and Au-Ag alloys. The early mineralization is characterized by a decrease in Au/(Au + Ag) ratios, while the late mineralization is composed of late quartz, carbonates, base-metal sulfides, Ag and Bi-tellurides, and acanthite. Fluid inclusion study indicated that the early mineralization formed from progressively cooled and diluted aqueous solutions, while the late mineralization formed from aqueous fluids with highly variable salinity.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
David Burianek, Martin Ivanov, Jana Janderkova, Michal Patzel
Summary: The mineralogical characteristics of a parent rock can significantly influence the uranium (U) and thorium (Th) contents in soils. In this study, five representative soil profiles developed on amphibole-biotite to biotite durbachites in the Trebic Pluton were selected to investigate radioactivity and the varying intensity of weathering. The results show evidence of intrasoil weathering and pedogenetic alteration in all the soil profiles. The concentrations of rock fragments were high in the B and C horizons, and the predominant grain size fractions were silt or sand. The U and Th contents within the soil profiles varied due to changes in the primary accessory minerals at different depth levels.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hana Johanis, Vaclav Tejnecky, Ondrej Drabek, Lubos Boruvka, Martin Mihaljevic
Summary: Research has shown that forest soils in the Czech Republic have isotopic signatures introduced by lead pollution, likely stemming from widespread atmospheric pollution, with floodplain forests showing different isotopic signatures potentially due to more materials from the river bed or surface runoff. These findings may assist in determining background values for soil lead and monitoring the state and health of forests in the Czech Republic for future conservation efforts.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Qingzhu Wang, Siran Liu, Jianli Chen, Yanxiang Li, Jianfeng Lang, Xiaodong Guo, Xuexiang Chen, Hui Fang
Summary: In this paper, the researchers demonstrate that the Shang period smelting slags from Yingcheng contain highly radiogenic lead (HRL), and the copper ores could have been acquired from Luzudong and Bukou. This is the first discovery of HRL in Shang period smelting slags. The lead isotope signals from Yingcheng match well with those from Middle Shang period bronzes, indicating the possibility that Laiwu could be a source area for metals with HRL at the time.
JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
O. Sracek, B. Kribek, M. Mihaljevic, V Ettler, A. Vanek, V Penizek, F. Veselovsky, Z. Bagai, J. Kapusta, P. Sulovsky
Summary: The study in Kanye, southeast Botswana, found that mine tailings rich in Mn have contaminated an adjacent creek, posing potential environmental risks during rainy periods. Different trace elements such as As, Mn, and Fe exhibit varying binding and mobility characteristics, with potential for groundwater and environmental contamination.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jakub Kierczak, Vojtech Ettler
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Baieta, Martin Mihaljevic, Vojtech Ettler, Ales Vanek, Vit Penizek, Jakub Trubac, Bohdan Kribek, Josef Jezek, Miroslav Svoboda, Ondra Sracek, Imasiku Nyambe
Summary: Historical Pb-Zn mining and smelting activities in Kabwe, Zambia have resulted in it becoming one of the most polluted cities in the world. High concentrations of metal elements were found in soil and tree samples, with closer proximity to the smelter showing higher levels. The main sources of metal contamination were confirmed to be local ores and smelting slags, with a linear relationship between metal concentrations and historical production.
JOURNAL OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marek Tuhy, Vojtech Ettler, Jan Rohovec, Sarka Matouskova, Martin Mihaljevic, Bohdan Kribek, Ben Mapani
Summary: The study found that the release of metals from soils near mines and smelters under wildfire conditions is temperature-dependent, with arsenic exhibiting a more complex release process compared to other metals.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ales Vanek, Katerina Vejvodova, Martin Mihaljevic, Vojtech Ettler, Jakub Trubac, Maria Vankova, Viktor Golias, Leslaw Teper, Katarzyna Sutkowska, Petra Vokurkova, Vit Penizek, Tereza Zadorova, Ondrej Drabek
Summary: The study demonstrates that thallium is an immobile element in peat, potentially influenced by geogenic sources. The variations in thallium isotopic ratios in peat samples are consistent with both anthropogenic and background thallium isotopic values, serving to distinguish the origin of thallium.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ales Vanek, Katerina Vejvodova, Martin Mihaljevic, Vojtech Ettler, Jakub Trubac, Maria Vankova, Leslaw Teper, Jerzy Cabala, Katarzyna Sutkowska, Andreas Voegelin, Joerg Goettlicher, Ondrej Holubik, Petra Vokurkova, Lenka Pavlu, Ivana Galuskova, Tereza Zadorova
Summary: This study found that in the sulfide processing of zinc extraction, the dominant form of thallium is Tl(I), and the variation in thallium isotopic ratios is relatively small.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Mineralogy
Vojtech Ettler, Martin Mihaljevic, Ladislav Strnad, Radim Jedlicka, Bohdan Kribek, Rob J. Bowell, Fred Kamona, Ben Mapani
Summary: Gallium (Ga) and germanium (Ge) are found in high concentrations in lead blast furnace slags from Tsumeb, Namibia, with gallium primarily bound in small Zn-Fe-Al spinel crystals and germanium mainly in silicate glass. Ultrafine milling is required to extract gallium and germanium from the slag prior to metallurgical processing.
MINERALOGICAL MAGAZINE
(2021)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Vojtech Ettler, Martin Mihaljevic, Petr Drahota, Bohdan Kribek, Imasiku Nyambe, Ales Vanek, Vit Penizek, Ondra Sracek, Vendula Natherova
Summary: This study found high concentrations of cobalt and copper in the copper slags from Luanshya, Zambia. However, due to the high cost of processing, cobalt recovery from the slags is not economical.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Elvira A. Dovletyarova, Olga S. Fareeva, Alexander P. Zhikharev, Ramilla A. Brykova, Evgenii L. Vorobeichik, Marina V. Slukovskaya, Martina Vitkova, Vojtech Ettler, Carolina Yanez, Alexander Neaman
Summary: The potential use of zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles for the remediation of metal contaminated soils has been widely studied, but doubts remain about their superiority compared to ZVI microparticles or natural iron oxides. This study found that under the experimental setup, ZVI nanoparticles did not prove to be superior in immobilizing metals in contaminated soil.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katerina Vejvodova, Ales Vanek, Marko Spasic, Martin Mihaljevic, Vojtech Ettler, Maria Vankova, Petr Drahota, Leslaw Teper, Petra Vokurkova, Lenka Pavlu, Tereza Zadorova, Ondrej Drabek
Summary: The study investigated the weathering of Tl-containing sulfides and their stability in organic environments. The results showed that sphalerite was less stable and acted as the main phase responsible for Tl mobilization. Industrial acid rainwater also accelerated sulfide degradation and Tl release.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Petr Drahota, Vojtech Ettler, Adam Culka, Jan Rohovec, Radim Jedlicka
Summary: This study investigates the oxidation process of arsenopyrite and lo??llingite minerals under high relative humidity conditions. The results show that relative humidity significantly affects the formation of secondary minerals. The oxidation rates of different concentrates also vary under high humidity conditions. The presence of sulfate ions plays a crucial role in the oxidation process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vojtech Ettler, Karolina Hladikova, Martin Mihaljevic, Petr Drahota, Adam Culka, Radim Jedlicka, Bohdan Kribek, Ales Vanek, Vit Penizek, Ondra Sracek, Zibisani Bagai
Summary: By studying the dust fractions in the Selebi-Phikwe district of Botswana, it was found that slag dusts may pose a potential risk, especially to children. However, the actual exposure is unlikely due to the fenced-off former mine area and the low proportion of fine particles that are not easily transported by wind. The health risk related to the incidental ingestion of soil dusts, which is more accessible to the local population, seems to be quite limited.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Vojtech Ettler, Martin Mihaljevic, Ladislav Strnad, Bohdan Kribek, Tomas Hrstka, Fred Kamona, Ben Mapani
Summary: Metallurgical slags enriched in Ga and Ge were investigated as potential sources of these elements. The partitioning of Ga and Ge in the slags was quantitatively determined using conventional mineralogical techniques and automated mineralogy. The highest extractability of Ga and Ge was found in 0.5 M H2SO4, indicating its potential for hydrometallurgical recovery.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rafael Baieta, Vojtech Ettler, Ales Vanek, Petr Drahota, Bohdan Kribek, Imasiku Nyambe, Martin Mihaljevic
Summary: Extensive mining and smelting have led to the decline in soil quality in Luanshya. The local smelter is the main source of contamination, with high concentrations of copper observed near the smelter. Lead contamination in the soils is not derived from the smelter but from historical usage of leaded gasoline. Copper leaching is a concern, and most of the copper is released from anthropogenic particles. The excess copper in the topsoils is bound in smelter-derived particles, which show signs of inefficient smelting process and susceptibility to weathering.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ales Vanek, Maria Vankova, Martin Mihaljevic, Vojtech Ettler, Petr Drahota, Lenka Vondrovicova, Petra Vokurkova, Ivana Galuskova, Tereza Zadorova, Ryan Mathur
Summary: This study reports the concentrations and isotopic data of Ag in various samples polluted by Ag-Pb smelter emissions, and finds that Ag isotopes can trace variations in anthropogenic phases and monitor geochemical processes, serving as indicators of anthropogenic sources and Ag loads.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
