Since the industrial revolution, human activities have become a significant driver of Earth surface geological processes and ecosystem change. By the mid-20th century, the driver entered the "Great Acceleration" over the globe, when land-use and industrialization intensified soil erosion and metal pollution. However, the magnitude and timing of anthropogenic impacts vary widely across regions, sourcing from complex interactions between natural conditions and socio-ecological systems. This study presents a sedimentary record from Sihailongwan (SHLW) Maar Lake and integrates previously published data to examine human-environment interactions across China since the Great Acceleration. The results show that northeastern China experienced substantial deforestation and industrial expansion around 1950, 1975 and 2000 C.E., resulting in marked increases in soil erosion and heavy metal pollution in the region, as recorded by lithogenic element concentrations and ratios and anthropogenic metal fluxes in SHLW Lake. Compiled with other sedimentary records across China, there is a systemic intensification of anthropogenic processes represented by land use and industrialization since the Great Acceleration. However, these processes display clear differences in timing and composition, shaped by both social history and environmental conditions. In northeastern and inland China, resource-based economic development during 1950 and 2000 C.E. led to early industrialization, influenced by the regional rich natural resources and strategic location. In contrast, coastal regions, with an export-oriented economic model after 2000 C.E., experienced later industrial growth but had favorable geographical conditions for trade. Long-term monitoring and assessment at local and wider scales will aid in understanding these complex dynamics.

This analytical note demonstrates the suitability and risks of secondary reference materials (RMs)(e.g., SPEX-Li, GBW-Li) using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), proposes a validated strategy of using secondary RMs as isotope standard substances for isotopic analysis. The results indicate that secondary RMs show notable inter-batch variations, mainly attributable to differences in source materials, the delta 7Li differences of SPEX-Li and GBW-Li from different batches is up to 62.18%o and 68.65%o. Meanwhile, by using primary RM analyzed as a sample bracketed by secondary RM to derive a correction factor-delta 7Licorrected(%o), the values of GBW-Li-2 are consistent with conventional test values. Although the strategy does not aim to replace primary RMs, it offers a feasible alternative, especially in laboratories without primary RMs.

With the development of measurement techniques, K isotope composition (δ41K) has become a sensitive tracer of surface processes. The evolution of K-Li-B in salt lakes remains insufficiently constrained and a single isotope system cannot resolve the behavior of multiple elements. Bangor Co is a typical carbonate-type salt lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with relatively simple recharge condition and the absence of extensive K-salt mineral precipitation, making it an ideal site to study early-stage salt lake evolution. This study focuses on K isotope compositions in river (−0.12‰), cold springs (−0.72‰ to 0.02‰), and brines (−0.76‰ to − 0.36‰), together with hydrochemistry, Li and B isotopes. These data indicate that K in Bangor Co is mainly sourced from silicate weathering, geothermal inputs, and the redissolution of lacustrine sediments. The δ41K fractionation observed in the brines may reflect the important influence of clay mineral adsorption, with inferred K removal fractions of 0.29–0.55. Comparison of K, Li and B isotopes reveals decoupled geochemical behavior among elements and establishes a conceptual model for carbonate-type salt lakes. This study demonstrates that δ41K is an effective tracer in carbonate-type salt lake catchments. A multi-isotope approach provides a useful framework for understanding solute evolution in carbonate-type salt lakes and similar evaporitic systems.

Potassium isotopic compositions (b41 K) have emerged as sensitive tracers in modern environmental processes. Lakkor Co Salt Lake, situated within a critical tectonic zone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (the Bangong-Nujiang tectonic belt), stands as a leading example of applying stable potassium isotopes to decipher diverse geochemical cycles in tectonically active regions. The results demonstrated that the potassium concentration in Lakkor Co can reach up to 2901 mg/L. A distinct potassium isotope fractionation is observed across the system. The b41 K values vary from -0.82%o to -0.05%o in recharge rivers, which are lower than the global riverine range reported in previous studies (-0.59%o to -0.08%o). In contrast, the surface brine of Lakkor Co exhibits b41 K values between -0.30%o and + 0.05%o, falling within the ranges of both modern seawater (-0.01%o to + 0.14%o) and chloride-dominated brines in the Qaidam Basin (-0.57%o to + 0.22%o). In combination with hydrochemical, b11B and b7Li data, the potassium in the Lakkor Co area is sourced from surface rock weathering and geothermal fluid. Moreover, weathering of ultra-high pressure metamorphic zones formed by deep subduction of oceanic crust may represent an additional source, which is supported by the anomalously low b41K values observed in the lake basin. This study investigates the sources, geochemical behavior and evolution process of potassium in the Lakkor Co Salt Lake; provide a theoretical basis for subsequent exploration and development of analogous salt lakes; and explore the elemental behavior of subducting oceanic crust. (c) 2026 China University of Geosciences (Beijing) and Peking University. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Geosciences (Beijing). This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Potash, a strategic mineral resource that impacts the development of global agriculture and industry, has received considerable attention regarding its worldwide distribution, genesis, and exploration prospects. Influenced by various tectonic events and climatic changes throughout geological history, the distribution of potash resources exhibits significant spatio-temporal characteristics. Potash deposits have been documented in a variety of basin types globally, including stable cratonic basins, continental rift systems, foreland basins, intermontane depressions, and other tectonic settings. The metallogenic epochs range from the Cambrian of the Paleozoic to the Quaternary of the Cenozoic, with potash formation primarily occurring in the Paleozoic, followed by the Mesozoic, and the least quantity formed in the Cenozoic. Based on the unique metallogenic environments and occurrence characteristics of these mineral deposits, potash deposits can be classified into three main types: marine, continental, and marine-continental transitional facies. Among them, marine potash deposits are large in scale and mainly formed in stable cratonic basins. Continental potash deposits, on the other hand, are smaller in scale and mostly distributed in intermountain depression basins within continents, and primarily characterized by salt lake potash. Marine-continental transitional potash deposits exhibit both marine and continental features, are mostly distributed in continental rifts or marine-continental transitional zones, and have complex metallogenic processes. Previous studies indicate that potash deposit formation results from the interplay of multiple ore-controlling factors, including tectonics, paleoclimate conditions, material sources, paleogeographic environment, and marine geochemistry. The metallogenic regularity is primarily determined by the interaction of the three dynamic systems of “tectonics-climate--material source” in specific spatio-temporal context. As a result, potash deposits across different global regions and geological periods generally exhibit significant diversity in metallogenic patterns, reflecting their unique mineralization environments and evolutionary histories of tectonic processes. This heterogeneity in genetic mechanisms means that a single metallogenic model cannot universally explain the formation of all global potash deposits. Consequently, worldwide potash exploration faces substantial challenges. Moreover, the specificity of these mineralization mechanisms further exacerbates the highly uneven distribution of global potash resources, creating severe challenges for countries with urgent food security needs in achieving sustainable potash supply. Consequently, building upon existing resource development, it is necessary to systematically enhance potash exploration potential and ensure sustainable supply capacity through deep potash exploration, AI-powered predictions, rational utilization of unexploited potassium salt deposits and the search for undiscovered ones, as well as innovation in exploration technology systems. This requires systematic breakthroughs in metallogenic theory innovation, detection technology development, and comprehensive predictive models to advance potash resource exploration toward precision, intelligence, and sustainability–ultimately establishing a new global potash supply framework that balances resource security with ecological equilibrium.

Salt lake brine is a major source of global lithium and hold a strategic importance for the energy transition.The Four-Lake area of the Qaidam Basin(Qarhan,East Taijinaier,West Taijinaier,and Yili-ping)is the most significant brine-type lithium enrichment area in China.Elucidating its resource enrich-ment and mineralization mechanisms are critical for safeguarding supply security.Previous work has empha-sized metallogenic regularity and materials sources.But a systematic summary of lithium behavior and loss mechanisms along the source-transport-sink process remains incomplete,introducing uncertainty into re-source assessments.Focusing on the Four-Lake area,this study uses elemental ratios and lithium isotopes to investigate multipath loss mechanisms operating during transport and enrichment:(1)clay adsorption:clay minerals progressively remove dissolved Li through surface adsorption,ion exchange,and lattice fixa-tion,producing marked increases in δ⁷Li in the residual fluid;(2)reverse weathering:authigenic clay for-mation within the lacustrine system incorporates or adsorbs Li;(3)salt minerals precipitation:during evaporite crystallization,Li is sequestered via lattice incorporation and fluid inclusions;(4)freshwater mixing and dilution:freshwater and brine mixing zones dilute Li from lake centers toward margins,a pro-cess intensified under global warming as precipitation and runoff increase;and(5)biotic processes:micro-bial adsorption and microbially induced mineral precipitation contribute secondary Li losses.These results provide a new perspective for improving resource evaluation and refining exploration strategies.

Lithium is a strategically important critical metal primarily hosted in brines and hard-rock deposits. Growing demand has prompted increasing attention to lithium in lacustrine clay sediments as a potential complementary host. The Qaidam Basin supplies similar to 80% of China' s lithium from brines, yet faces increasing supply pressure. Anomalous lithium enrichment has been reported in coeval lacustrine clays of the secondary Mahai Basin. This study investigates phase-specific lithium distribution and isotopic signatures (delta Li-7) in Mahai Basin lacustrine clays using XRD and Tessier sequential extraction, combined with major/trace element and lithium isotope analyses of different phases. XRD results show that silicon-bearing minerals comprise similar to 61% and clay minerals similar to 26-27% of the bulk mineralogy. Lithium is overwhelmingly hosted in the silicate phase (89.5%). delta Li-7 values vary markedly among phases: water-soluble (-18.79 to + 26.99 parts per thousand), ion-exchangeable (-16.44 to + 19.12 parts per thousand), and silicate (+0.28 to + 3.65 parts per thousand). The clays formed under cold, arid conditions dominated by physical weathering of felsic igneous rocks. Elevated water-soluble Li relative to ion-exchangeable Li is attributed to competitive adsorption inhibition. The water-soluble delta Li-7 signature is consistent with regional brines, and calculated fractionation factors (0.973-0.995) align with lithium adsorption onto montmorillonite. Silicate delta Li-7 values fall within the range of upper continental crust, indicating dominant continental weathering input. Integration with Sr and B isotopes reveals multi-source lithium contributions from silicate weathering of surrounding orogens, fluvial input (Yuka River), and deep Ca-Cl fluids. These findings clarify lithium sources, phase partitioning, and the role of competitive adsorption in lithium mobility, providing a scientific basis for understanding lithium enrichment processes in lacustrine clay sediments of salt-lake systems.

By utilizing the stability of metal-ligand coordination and the instability of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer excited state to dissociate the ligand, the first chromium(II) decarboxylative alkyl acylation reaction under visible light irradiation is herein reported. The reaction uses α-keto acids as acyl radical precursors to react with alkyl radicals, without the need for additional photosensitizers or other additives. The elegant reaction exhibits a wide scope across α-keto acids, radical precursors, and alkanes with moderate to good yields.

Difunctionalization of olefins is effective in constructing diverse, valuable molecules. However, such a reaction always relies on catalysts to control activity and selectivity. Herein, a catalyst-free difunctionalization of olefins with sulfonyl or alkyl precursors and 1,2-dicarbonyls is reported to synthesize complex alpha-hydroxycarbonyls under visible light irradiation.

Potassium (K), an essential element for life, is released in large quantities through anthropogenic activities, altering the geochemical K cycle. K isotopes, therefore, have the potential to trace anthropogenic processes. Huguangyan Maar Lake (HML), a hydrologically enclosed lake, provides an ideal setting to preserve the historical records of anthropogenic activities. This study investigated the K contents and isotopic compositions (δ41K) in recent HML sediments to trace catchment K cycling and human impacts over the past 120 years in southern China. Results show that leachate K (Kleachate) is influenced by coal combustion, while residue K (Kresidue) is mainly derived from bedrock erosion. Prior to 1950 C.E., the HML catchment experienced minimal human disturbance, as indicated by stable K contents and δ41K values. Between 1950 and 2000 C.E., increasing Kresidue contents suggest intensified catchment erosion due to human activities following the founding of the People's Republic of China, though direct anthropogenic inputs remained limited. After 2000 C.E., fluctuations and decreasing δ41Kleachate values reflect varying air pollution from anthropogenic activities such as coal combustion and vehicle emissions associated with industrialization and subsequent environmental policies. This study highlights the possibility of K isotopes as a novel tracer of anthropogenic influence on the K geochemical cycle.

Represented herein is the first 1,3-difunctionalization of alkenes via photocatalysis. A single cobaloxime is used to carry out two catalytic cycles in which cobaloxime is used not only as a photocatalyst to initiate the reaction but also as a metal catalyst for the β-H elimination process. Electron-deficient alkenes, electron-rich alkenes, and unactivated alkenes could be directly converted to 1,3-bisphosphorylated products, even unsymmetric 1,3-bisphosphorylated products, with only H2 as a byproduct under extremely mild reaction conditions.

Boron is a lithophilic and biophilic element. Boron isotopes in sediments provide insight in the Earth's history. Boron is purified by a combination of cationic and boron-specific resins, and the isotopic composition of boron in sediments can be determined with high accuracy by MC-ICP-MS.

Potash, also known as potassium (K), is a crucial component of the agricultural sector and serve as “the food of food”. Historically, the formation of potash deposits has been attributed to the “tectonic-climatic” theory, in which the role of prolonged arid climate is still debating. Consider the minerogenetic time scale, paleoclimatic events may have played an undeniable role in the formation of potash. However, few studies have been conducted on this topic, which may impede theoretical development. The Lop Nur playa of the Tarim Basin, Northwest China, is a typical hinterland salt lake that formed during the combined effect of the collision between the Eurasian Plate and the Indian Plate and the Quaternary climatic background. As a potash metallogenetic area, Lop Nur is the best place to study how paleoclimatic events affect salt mineralization. In this study, we summarize the development of paleoclimate records and multiple ages from Quaternary sediments and analyze the mineralization theory of the Lop Nur salt lake. The comprehensive chronicle framework employed in paleoenvironmental reconstruction has unveiled the fluctuating aridity and the subsequent process of playa formation. By integrating mineralization mechanisms, ranging from the “mountain-basin transfer” theory to the “tectonic-climatic-source coupled” theory, we systematically reviewed the potential impacts of paleoclimatic events as both impetuses and limitations in the formation of potash deposits in Lop Nur. From a more prospective aspect of this review, the paleoclimatic events for potash mineralization are examined in relation to the worldwide distribution of salt lakes. This examination takes into account the lacustrine paleo-proxies and potash types, which indicate similar paleoclimatic influences on the mineralization process, albeit with varying origins. In the future, a more comprehensive understanding of potassium salt resources can be achieved through a thorough comparison of reconstructed paleoenvironments and high-resolution regional mineralization modeling results.

A comprehensive comprehension of the origin and ore-forming process of lithium brine deposits is imperative prior to engaging in lithium resource exploration, development and utilization. Nevertheless, the provenance of lithium in salt lakes has always been controversial. The lithium and boron (Li and B) isotopes, which serve as discerning geochemical tracers, can facilitate the monitoring of geological processes and sources. In this study, we investigated the hydrochemistry, Li and B isotope characteristics of surface brine and recharge river samples collected from the Lakko Co on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. The dissolved Li concentrations range from 0.11 to 590.8 mg/L, delta 7Li and delta 11B values exhibit a range of 0.75-8.11 %o and -18.29--4.01 %o, respectively. Concentrations of elements such as Rb, and Cu are relatively high and exhibit a strong correlation with Li. Ions composition and content ratios indicate the deep origin of Li and B. The analysis of delta 7Li and delta 11B suggests that, apart from hot spring, weathering of surrounding rocks also contributes to the presence of Li and B. Besides, variations in delta 11B values within the lake brine analysis may be attributed to the deposition of water Magnesite at the lake bottom. The findings suggest that the recharge water system and hot springs serve as the primary source of Li and B in Lakko Co. Additionally, the interaction between water and rock in the deep crust as well as chemical weathering in the shallow environment, significantly contribute to formation of Li-rich fluids. The transportation process is characterized by the precipitation of secondary mineral, resulting in an increase of delta 7Li and delta 11B. Furthermore, the presence of water Magnesite in the lake brine leads to fluctuations in delta 11B. This investigation of the lake contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the origins and mechanisms involved in the transportation and storage of lithium in lithium-rich salt lakes.

The cheap and readily available olefin substrates have received much attention for the synthesis of structurally rich and high value-added ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their derivatives via α-acylation.Multicomponent tandem α-acylation of olefins achieves high efficiency and selectivity by N-heterocyclic carbene or transition metal catalysis, albeit with narrow reaction modes and substrates.Rapid growth of photocatalysis in organic transformation has introduced new methodologies to undergo the α-acylation of olefins with broad substrate scope.The research progress and prospect for the future development in this active research field is highlighted.

锂被称为21 世纪改变世界的"绿色能源金属"和"白色石油", 战略意义显著.锂作为重要的战略资源, 广泛地应用于能源、化工、冶金、玻璃和陶瓷等产业.其中可充电锂电池广泛应用于便携式电子设备(如手机、摄影机、笔记本电脑)、交通运输工具(如电动自行车、新能源汽车)以及航空航天等领域, 是锂化合物最大的潜在应用增长区域.

Potassium（K） is widely applied in earth sciences, biological sciences, environmental sciences and other fields. This study presents a method for high-efficient purification for a variety of samples and high-precision determination for K isotopes by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry（MC-ICP-MS）. Potassium in digested samples was separated by cation-exchange chromatography with AG 50W-X8 resin, and was eluted by 0.5 mol/L HNO 3 . It’s achieved a high recovery of K with the yield of ＞99.9% and negligible blank（～10 ng K）. Nevertheless, for samples with high contents of matrix elements（Li、Na、Mg、Al、V、Cr、Ca）, two-step purification procedure is suggested. The purified samples were analysed by MC-ICP-MS using "cold plasma-low resolution". The values of δ 41 K of international standards（rock、coal and biology） are consistent with literature, and the long-term precision is better than 0.06‰ with good reproducibility.

Purpose To investigate the potential clinical importance of continuing immunotherapy beyond progression in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). Methods The data of patients with aNSCLC who experienced progressive disease after receiving first-line immunotherapy plus chemotherapy were collected from multiple centers for the period from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2022. According to the second-line treatment, the patients were classified into two groups: the continuation of immunotherapy beyond progression (CIBP) group and the discontinuation of immunotherapy beyond progression (DIBP) group. The efficacy and safety of the treatment were compared between the groups. Results Overall, data from 169 patients were analyzed; 93 patients were enrolled in the CIBP group and 76 patients were in the DIBP group. The median second-line progression-free survival was 5.5 months in the CIBP group, which for the DIBP group was 3.4 ( p = 0.011). The median overall survival of the CIBP group was 13.3 months, whereas that of the DIBP group was 8.8 months ( p = 0.031). The disease control rate of the CIBP group (79.57%) was observably higher than that of the DIBP group (64.47%; p = 0.028). Among patients who responded better (complete or partial response) to prior therapy, the median progression-free survival was 5.5 months and 3.3 months in the CIBP and DIBP groups respectively ( p = 0.022), and the median overall survival was 14.8 months and 8.8 months in the CIBP and DIBP groups respectively ( p = 0.046). Conclusions Continuing immunotherapy as a second-line treatment could be beneficial to the survival of patients with aNSCLC with disease progression beyond initial chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy.

煤炭在世界各国的能源结构中都占有极其重要的地位,被工业界誉为"黑色的金子".中国能源结构也以煤为主,煤炭资源的利用对人们的生产生活有着举足轻重的作用,其存放、运输和燃烧过程中向环境中排放大量有害、有毒物质,影响人体健康.非传统稳定同位素作为一种新兴的示踪剂,可以为上述过程提供示踪,逐渐在煤炭研究中得到应用.本文拟对煤炭研究中成熟的非传统稳定同位素(Li、B、K、Mo和Hg)的应用进行综述,包括不同地区煤中同位素特征以及煤中非传统稳定同位素在环境示踪方面的潜力.最后对煤中非传统稳定同位素前处理消解存在的问题、不同赋存状态、其他非传统稳定同位素和激光原位研究进行展望.

锂被称为21世纪改变世界的"绿色能源金属"和"白色石油",其战略意义显著.在过去的一个世纪里,锂的开采和加工方式存在高能耗、高化学品消耗、低资源利用率、高环境污染等问题.现在,美国普林斯顿大学开发出一种基于3D多孔纤维绳的卤水提锂新技术,可以大幅减少锂生产所需的土地和时间.文章对该技术的原理、优点进行了评论,同时与我国科研人员独创的"太阳池-立体结晶法"提锂工艺进行对比.该新技术不仅可以提高现有锂盐生产线的产量,还可以扩大锂资源的可开采和利用范围,能应用于以前因锂浓度太低而不具有经济价值的锂资源,例如废弃的油气井和地热盐水,以及拥有广阔锂资源的海洋,同时该技术还可以节省大量的水,比传统的盐田蒸发更环保.相信随着该技术理论和工艺的不断发展,将会颠覆提锂技术,同时推动现有锂行业的蓬勃发展,促进全球新能源产业快速发展.