To further explore the uranium-bearing prospects of the Zhiluo Formation, the petrography, major elements, trace elements and rare earth elements of Zhiluo sandstone samples collected from four boreholes were analyzed in this research to determine the provenance, tectonic setting and paleoweathering of the formation. The results of the analysis reveal that the Zhiluo Formation sandstone comprises primarily feldspar sandstone, with quartz, feldspar, and mica as the main mineral components. The rare earth elements are mainly characterized by enrichment in light rare earth elements and loss of heavy rare earth elements. The ratio of light to heavy rare earth elements (LREEs/HREEs) is 5.55–7.79, with an average of 6.33. The value of (La/Yb)_CN is 12.96–22.33, with an average value of 17.41, indicating obvious fractionation of LREEs and HREEs. The chemical index of alteration (CIA) value of this sandstone is 56.30–63.04, with an average of 59.75, which indicates that the parent rock experienced weak chemical weathering in a dry climate. The discrimination diagrams of the source area and parent rock show that the source area of the Zhiluo sandstones had a mixed intermediate-felsic composition, and that the main parent rocks were andesite and granite. The tectonic setting discrimination diagram indicates that the tectonic setting of the source area was the passive margin. Thus, the provenance of the sandstone of the Zhiluo Formation is proposed to be the volcanic-sedimentary rock series developed on the northern margin of the Ordos Basin.

In order to comprehensively understand the content, source, speciation characteristics, and risk of heavy metals in cultivated soil of Pingshui Village, Zhaoping County, Hezhou City, this study conducted measurements on the total amounts of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg in 34 soil samples within the study area. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis were employed to investigate their sources. An improved BCR sequential extraction procedure was utilized to analyze the occurrence forms of eight heavy metals in soil samples. Ecological risks were evaluated using the geo-accumulation index (I_geo), potential ecological risk index (RI), and risk assessment code (RAC). The findings revealed that: (1) The soil heavy metals in the study area exhibited varying degrees of enrichment, primarily attributed to anthropogenic activities. (2) There was no significant difference in the speciation characteristics of the eight heavy metals in the soil of each sampling site in the study area, and the main components were all residual fraction, and the mild acid-soluble fraction of Cd and Zn accounted for a relatively high proportion in individual sampling sites, which should be paid attention to. (3) Through the results of three risk assessment methods, it is concluded that the heavy metal pollution of soil in the study area is serious, and continuous attention should be paid to the corresponding pollution prevention measures.

A Cd-contaminated paddy field at the Quanzhou County Institute of Agricultural Science in Guilin was selected as the research object, and geo-electrochemical technology (GT) was used to treat the Cd-contaminated paddy field in situ. The technology’s effectiveness in removing the heavy metal Cd element from paddy soil and the change rule of Cd accumulation and transport in various parts of rice plants under the action of an electric field were studied. That was to provide a theoretical basis and a new technical choice for remediating paddy soil polluted by Cd. The results showed that the GT effectively removed the heavy metal Cd element from the paddy soil. When the level of soil Cd in the paddy field was 0.58 mg/kg, after in situ treatment with the GT, the soil Cd decreased to 0.39 mg/kg, which met the requirements of soil contamination risk control for agricultural land. Geo-electrochemical technology effectively reduced the content of the Cd element in various tissues and organs of rice plants, made the Cd content in brown rice lower than the requirement of the national food pollutant limit standard of 0.2 mg/kg, and achieved the production of safe rice. Geo-electrochemical technology reduced the enrichment of Cd in the tissues and organs of the rice plants, including roots, stems, leaves, and grains, and at the same time affected the process of rice roots transporting Cd.

To achieve a significant breakthrough in the exploration of uranium resources in the Guangzitian area of northern Guangxi, China, an innovative combination of exploration methods was implemented at the peripheral regions of the Guangzitian uranium deposit under the guidance of the following principle: “exploring the edges and identifying the bottom, delving deep and un-covering blind spots”. This study introduces geo-electrochemical integrated technology for prospecting research at the peripheral areas of the Guangzitian deposit. By validating the technology’s effectiveness on known geological sections, distinct geo-electrochemical extraction anomalies were identified above recognized ore bodies. Simultaneously, soil ionic conductivity and thermally released mercury anomalies were observed, partially indicating the presence of concealed uranium deposits and fault structures. These findings demonstrate that geo-electrochemical integrated technology is effective in detecting buried uranium mineralization in this region. Subsequently, a geological-geoelectrical prospecting model was established through a systematic analysis of anomaly characteristics and metallogenic regularity, and it was subsequently applied to unexplored areas. As a result, one key anomaly verification zone, one Class A comprehensive anomaly zone, two Class B comprehensive anomaly zones, and one Class C comprehensive anomaly zone were identified within the unexplored research area. Drilling engineering validation was conducted in the No. Ι key anomaly verification zone, resulting in the discovery of an industrial-grade uranium ore body. This achievement not only provides critical technical support but also develops a robust theoretical foundation for future mineral exploration endeavors.

Arsenic pollution in paddy soil is a major environmental issue, and its remediation has become a subject of broad interest. Geo-electrochemical technology has been shown to have significant potential for remediating heavy metal-contaminated soils in recent years. Taking contaminated paddy soil from northern Guangxi as the research subject, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of geo-electrochemical technology for arsenic remediation. An orthogonal experimental design was used to identify the optimal combination of parameters, including power supply duration, voltage gradient, power supply mode, and electrolyte type. The arsenic removal efficiency was thoroughly assessed, and the underlying remediation mechanisms associated with geo-electrochemical technology combined with EDTA-2Na were extensively investigated. The findings revealed a substantial decrease in the residual arsenic fraction after treatment, accompanied by a substantial increase in the mobility and bioavailability of arsenic. The maximum removal rate of arsenic from the soil was determined to be 19.59%. Among the analyzed factors, electrolyte type exerted the most significant influence on the arsenic removal efficiency, followed by power supply duration and voltage gradient, while the impact of the power supply mode was less significant. The optimal remediation effect was achieved under the following conditions: a power supply duration of 108 h, a voltage gradient of 0.6 V/cm, continuous power supply mode, and the use of EDTA-2Na as the electrolyte. The multiple strong coordinating atoms in EDTA-2Na can form stable chelates with Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺ bound to arsenic in the soil, thereby causing the desorption of arsenic. The integration of geo-electrochemical technology with EDTA-2Na forms a synergistic multiphase electrochemical reaction mechanism, significantly improving the overall remediation efficiency in arsenic-contaminated soils.

The demand for lead–zinc–antimony ore resources in China has increased steadily, while shallow deposits are approaching depletion, leading to intensified exploration for deep, concealed orebodies. Electro-geochemical surveys, as a penetrative geochemical exploration technique, are particularly effective in areas with thick overburden. In this study, the Bancai area in Hechi, Guangxi, was selected to evaluate the applicability of this method for concealed mineral exploration. Feasibility testing was conducted along the A4 profile over an engineering-controlled orebody. Distinct electro-geochemical anomalies were identified directly above the known orebody, showing strong spatial correspondence and favorable ore-indicating characteristics, confirming the effectiveness of the method in the study area. Based on the deposit’s geological characteristics, prospecting indicators were established by integrating geological features, electro-geochemical responses, and wall-rock alteration. A geological electro-geochemical prospecting model was constructed for the Bancai mining area and applied for deep exploration of the Bancai B block. By analyzing the spatial distribution of electro-geochemical anomalies and integrating geological conditions, mineralization potential, and related factors, three prospective target areas were delineated to provide guidance for subsequent explorations. Among these targets, Target Area III exhibits favorable structural conditions, well-developed calcite veins, and pronounced superposition of multi-element geochemical anomalies, indicating considerable potential for further mineral exploration.