Pedogenic carbonates provide valuable archives of past environmental conditions through their elemental and isotopic compositions. This study integrates stable carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes, obtained from carbonate features alongside manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) concentrations in carbonate features and soil horizons across four pedosedimentary sections (SC01–SC04), to reconstruct vegetation dynamics, climatic stability, and local hydrological variability. Elemental concentrations of Mn and Fe are reported in molar percent (mol%). Soil profiles exhibit low Mn content (0.04%–0.11%), in contrast to higher Fe concentrations (2.68%–7.47%). Carbonate features are systematically depleted in Fe relative to their host matrices (0.42%–3.13%), while Mn is selectively enriched in several nodules, reaching up to 0.22% (Nd07, SC02). Stable isotope data reveal tightly clustered values within each section. δ13C values range from −3.17‰ to −0.24‰ for nodules, which is consistent with a C4-dominated savannah ecosystem. However, deep-seated pseudomycelia exhibit a distinct δ13C signature of −6.85‰, interpreted as a biogenic signal from C3 shrub roots in a closed, riparian sub-surface environment rather than a vegetation shift. δ18O values display a narrow range of −5.52‰ to −3.39‰ across all sections, indicating limited variability in meteoric water composition and evaporative conditions. High Mn/Fe ratios correlate with depleted δ18O values (≤−5‰), marking periods of increased freshwater input and seasonal waterlogging. Crucially, the decoupling of redox signals in some nodules, characterised by a combined high Mn/Fe ratio with δ18O enrichment, highlights the occurrence of episodic fluvial pulses and overbank flooding superimposed on a generally semi-arid background. These findings demonstrate that while the regional macro-climate remained stable, local hydrology was highly dynamic, driven by high-frequency fluctuations in river-water influence.

The co-extraction of critical raw materials (CRMs) and heat from geothermal fluids offers a promising approach to simultaneously address the increasing global demands for both, metals and energy. In brines from sedimentary basins, high concentrations of lithium and other CRMs such as copper, are emerging as an attractive complementary resource for mining, because these types of geological settings are ubiquitously occurring within the continental crust. In this contribution, we investigate the North German Basin as an example for an underexplored sedimentary reservoir, with lithium (and to a minor extend copper) serving as representative CRMs. We summarize the current state of knowledge and main perspectives that are relevant for co-extraction of CRMs and heat. We identified five key controlling factors: (1) the source and mobility of lithium in geothermal brines; (2) the feasibility of brine production from a low-permeability sandstone reservoir including exploitation, management, and sustainability of extraction by considering potential lithium co-production rates on the example of a well in the North German Basin; (3) thermal-hydraulic challenges in combined heat and lithium production; (4) suitable material selection to prevent severe corrosion and associated damages; and (5) environmental, social, governance aspects, as well as life cycle assessment of such co-production. In conclusion, the current data indicate that sedimentary basins fluids offer great potential for co-extraction of geothermal heat and critical raw materials (CRM) like Li and Cu, but at current state more demonstrators are needed to prove the technical and economic feasibility of CRM and heat co-extraction.

Ca Mau province, located in the south of the Mekong Delta, is strongly affected by land subsidence and seawater intrusion. Overexploitation of groundwater has been highlighted as a significant driving factor for these processes. As groundwater currently plays a crucial role in the local water supply, this study examines the potential of rainwater as an alternative water source for domestic use to reduce groundwater extraction and contribute to ensure the safe and sustainable water resource for public use (SDG 6). The present study follows a multi-disciplinary evaluation of the potential of rain water as an alternative water resource, covering an assessment of (i) social perception of rainwater usage, (ii) rainwater availability as well as water quality analyses of rainwater stored under various conditions. For this, a combined survey and sampling campaign throughout Ca Mau province was conducted in two main phases between 2019 and 2022. The survey includes a questionnaire which was completed by 473 participants together with in-depth interviews in several selected locations. Complementary, time series of precipitation were analyzed to determine the potentially available rainwater quantity. Stored rainwater samples were collected and analyzed according to their quality based on physical parameters, chemical parameters using ICP-MS and Ion Chromatography with 49 water samples and biological parameters using the IDEXX Colilert® system and MALDI-TOF-MS with 75 water samples. Based on the results, factors that could affect the quality of rainwater were examined. The results show that in some rainwater samples, threshold values of the standards from Vietnamese regulation were exceeded for some parameters, raising the issue of rainwater treatment before use. The questionnaire revealed that rainwater is considered as a potential water source which can replace groundwater for domestic purposes by participants. Despite concerns about rainwater storage during the dry season, public acceptance of using rainwater is generally high. However, the government’s interest in communicating information about current environmental issues as well as support in guiding rainwater storage and economic support during the transition process is an issue that people are concerned about. The results of this study provide new insights to further identify potential pilot sites in Ca Mau for rainwater harvesting as an alternative to groundwater extraction, as well as to design concepts for optimizing the use of rainwater.

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) influences air quality, visibility, and the radiation budget, yet inter-regional differences in sources and chemical characteristics remain poorly understood. In this study, PM samples from Karlsruhe, Germany and Ajmer, India were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (3D-EEM). Elemental analysis revealed high concentrations of Na and Al were high in both locations. Elemental ratios (Fe/Al, Ti/Al, Cu/Zn, and V/Pb) reveal strong traffic- and industrial-related influences in Karlsruhe and combined dust, combustion, and industrial impacts in Ajmer. 3D-EEM analysis shows that highly oxygenated humic-like substance (HULIS) (C1 and C2) dominated in Karlsruhe (62%) during the sampling period, while less‑oxygenated HULIS (C3) from biomass burning was most abundant in winter season (41%). In Ajmer, less‑oxygenated HULIS remained dominant throughout the sampling period (C1, 57%), while highly oxygenated HULIS (C2) and mixed-source components (C4) contributed 19% and 2%, respectively. PMF highlighted complex source profiles, including industrial, crustal, and mixed anthropogenic contributions in both locations. These findings improve understanding of inter-regional PM composition and sources, providing insights for targeted air quality management and climate impact assessment.

The formation and accumulation of secondary carbonates represent an important pathway for long-term carbon sequestration in global dryland regions. However, accurately assessing their contribution to the regional carbon budget requires distinguishing between pedogenic (in-situ soil formation) and sedimentary processes, which often occur concurrently in dynamic environments. This study investigated the formation and accumulation of carbonate features within four pedosedimentary sections located along ephemeral stream banks in semi-arid central Botswana. The method used involved combining morphological and physicochemical characterisation with geochemical indices in the observed horizons/layers. Geochemical indices include the robust chemical weathering index (RW), the calcification index ((Mg + Ca)/Al), the clayeyness index (Al/Si) and Mg/Ca ratios. Analysis of the sections reveals a cyclical palaeoenvironmental history marked by palaeosols whose development was repeatedly interrupted by successive episodes of fluvial sedimentary deposition, followed by the resumption of modern pedogenesis. Particle size analysis of the deposit layers confirms a pulsed fluvial regime, with sediments ranging from poorly sorted fine sand upstream to extremely poorly sorted coarse silt downstream, indicating hydraulic sorting according controlled by flood energy. Geochemically, the low RW values, ranging overall between 30% and 60%, and the clay index generally below 0.3 indicate a limited degree of chemical weathering and low clay neoformation, reflecting the predominance influence of the arid environment. Calcification was identified as the dominant pedogenic process in all sections (both ancient and modern), characterised by a high CaCO3 content (14 to 22%), confirmed by the calcification index in the calcic horizons. The low Mg/Ca ratio strongly suggests the predominance of calcite as the main secondary carbonate phase also confirmed by XRD evidence. These findings highlight that the total carbonate accumulation in the study area is a direct result of the complex interplay between repetitive fluvial deposition (pedosedimentary history) and subsequent in-situ pedogenic calcification. The results underscore the critical importance of secondary carbonate accumulation in the soils of Botswana and highlight a complex paleoenvironmental evolution.

The Ngoutchoumi Granite Complex in the Cameroonian Northern Domain (ND) of the Neoproterozoic Central African Orogenic Belt has long been known to host tungsten mineral occurrences. Here, we show that this granite complex also contains a suite of rare metals (Ta, Nb, Zr, Li, Y + REE) and F-bearing minerals, which have not been previously reported. The key genetic aspects pertaining to the genesis of this mineralised system are unconstrained. In this study, that couples in-situ LA-ICP-MS zircon and columbite U-Pb and mica 40Ar-39Ar geochronology with bulk-rock and mineral geochemistry and Raman spectroscopy, the rare metal minerals and their host granite are characterized. The granite is peraluminous and rich in REE (100-445 ppm), with strong LREE enrichment ((La/Yb)N = 2.38-41.4) and typically displays a pronounced negative Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.06-0.10). Rare metal minerals, including ferrocolumbite, Nb-rich rutile, zircon and various REE minerals are intimately associated with fluorite. Zircon and ferrocolumbite from the rare metal-rich granite yield Pan-African ages of 639 +/- 11 Ma and 640.2 +/- 12.7 Ma, respectively, indicating part of the rare metal minerals is orthomagmatic. Textural and mineral chemistry features indicate that the primary orthomagmatic rare metal minerals were overprinted, thus leading to at least three episodes of rare metal mineralisation. On the other hand, biotite and muscovite from granite crosscutting the rare metal granite yield Ar-Ar plateau ages of 549.02 +/- 0.85 and 552.17 +/- 0.22 Ma, respectively, which, when combined with our ferrocolumbite age, as well as previously reported rare metal-related ages within the ND, bracket the age of rare metal mineralisation events within the ND, between ca.640-580 Ma. Our findings, therefore, extend both the spatial and temporal fingerprints of the ND rare metal mineralisation beyond those previously reported and have significant implications for the exploration of rare metals in Pan-African terranes. The episodes of formation of rare metals at Ngoutchoumi span from the orthomagmatic stage to the hydrothermal stage, and this genetic model sheds new light on the genesis of rare metal granite-type deposits, where debates have revolved around metasomatic vs. magmatic rare metal enrichment processes.

Co-mobilizing fluoride (F-) and uranium (U) into groundwater poses a drinking water quality problem globally. Competitive ion exchange with aquifer sediments has been hypothesized to cause their co-mobilization. However, this hypothesis has been postulated merely based on correlations of F- and U with other groundwater parameters without characterizing that F- and U were present as exchangeable in the aquifer sediments. The present study, therefore, tested this hypothesis by determining the abundance and association of F- and U in the aquifer sediments and correlating these data with the groundwater composition in the alluvial aquifers of southern Punjab, India, where the groundwater contamination by F- and U is severe. Our results support the hypothesis that competitive ion exchange can co-mobilize F- and U into groundwater. However, the specific ion exchange reaction involved in the F- and U mobilization can differ. In the study area, the U mobilization into groundwater was linked to increased ionic strength due to the increase in concentration of any ionic species. However, the mobilization of F- was explicitly linked to the changes in OH- and HCO3- concentrations rather than the overall ionic strength. Bicarbonate was the most critical ionic species that could cause F- and U co-mobilization.

Geothermal brines in the Upper Rhine Graben have been used as a spa or for salt production since Roman times. Heat and power are generated in geothermal power plants since 2007. Recently, their elevated Li-content has additionally attracted economic interest. This increased interest is in contrast with our understanding of the geological-hydrothermal evolution. We use petrology, major and trace element mineral chemistry and mass balance calculation from drill cores that intersect granitic geothermal reservoir rocks at Soultz-sous-Forets between Strasbourg and Karlsruhe to shed light on fluid-rock interaction in a reservoir that is actively used for heat and power generation. The alkali feldspar and the two-mica granite in the reservoir have a typical plagioclase, Kfeldspar, quartz, biotite and muscovite assemblage with some accessories of titanite, apatite and zircon. Two hydrothermal alteration events are distinguished: (1) albitization of the feldspars; (2) distal replacement of feldspars by sericite and calcite, of biotite by chlorite and titanite; and proximal to hydrothermal veins replacement of the feldspars by sericite and kaolinite. Event 2 feldspar alteration quantitatively releases Pb and Ba to the fluid, whereas Rb, Cs, Sr and Zn show different behaviour depending on whole-rock and mineral composition. Event 2 biotite-chlorite alteration releases Li, Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Zn and Pb to the fluid. Mass balance calculation indicates that Si, Fe, Ca, K, Rb, Sr, Zn and Pb contents of the Soultz-sous-Forets geothermal brine may be explained by fluid-rock interaction in the reservoir. However, the reservoir rock volume that needs to be leached in order to reach recent brine composition varies by several orders of magnitude between the different elements. Many of the elements may be leached during hydrothermal alteration, however in particular Li and Cs require unrealistic fluid-rock ratios of >1/300. These considerations indicate that Na, Ca, Li, Cs and Ba need an additional external source. Based on this, we propose a model where Middle Triassic bittern brines already enriched in Li, Rb, and Cs reacted with the reservoir rocks during hydrothermal event 2 and subsequently mixed with Jurassic-Cretaceous marine water that dissolved evaporites during downward migration. This agrees with Jurassic-Cretaceous illite ages from various sites in the Black Forest and indicates a complex similar to 150 m.y. hydrothermal evolution for the brines. There is likely no single source of Li, and it is likely derived from complex fluid-rock interaction with the sedimentary (evaporite) and, less importantly, the crystalline strata of the Upper Rhine Graben. Critical for Li-resource development is the complex hydrothermal history of connate fluids that interacted with sedimentary strata and the preservation in deep-seated reservoirs.

This work investigated physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptive responses of two Egyptian rice cultivars representing two different subspecies, Giza 177 (japonica) and Giza 178 (indica/japonica), to osmo-equivalent concentrations of mannitol and NaCl to mimic drought and salinity stress, respectively. Phenotypically, Giza 178 was less sensitive to drought than Giza 177; however, salt stress generated comparable damage symptoms and sodium content in either variety. In Giza 178, more K+ were accumulated in shoots under drought compared to Giza 177 with a 1.48-fold increase, while Ca++ content was significantly higher in shoots under drought and salt treatments (2 and 1.7-fold increase, respectively). Carbon isotope discrimination (CID) implied a prolonged stomatal closure in Giza 177 under drought. Additionally, the oxidative damage marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was more severely accumulated in Giza 177 shoots with 1.67-fold increase. The antioxidative enzymatic activity of Glutathione Reductase (GR) increased in Giza to 178 shoots under drought, indicating better antioxidative power. Interestingly, OsNHX1 gene expression (Na+/H+ antiporter) was significantly induced in Giza 178 shoots under drought stress, indicating better osmotic turgor pressure and less degree of nutrition deficiency. Furthermore, both phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonate iso-leucine (JA-Ile) were significantly elevated in Giza 177 shoots compared to Giza 178 under drought and salt stress. Generally, it is suggested that Giza 177 shoots displayed greater sensitivity to drought, mainly due to extensive oxidative damage caused by a prolonged period of stomatal closure.

One of the biggest challenges for direct lithium extraction (DLE) from brines, such as geothermal or salar fluids, is the selective extraction of Li with only minor co-extraction of other elements. Due to their high selectivity, spinel-structured lithium manganese oxide (LMO) sorbents are promising for application in DLE. We synthesized the LMO Li1.6Mn1.6O4 and investigated the sorption of Li and competing elements from a geothermal brine of the Upper Rhine Valley. From the brine isotherm experiments, a maximum Li sorption capacity of 30.6 mg/g is achieved. The Li isotherm is best described through the BET isotherm, indicating that apart from the expected Li+-H+ ion exchange, additional sorption processes take place. The sorption selectivity follows the order Mn > Zn > As > Ba > Li > Sr > Ca > K, Mg > Na. A near-complete extraction is achieved for Li, Ba, As, Mn and Zn. Despite their high concentration in the brine (g/L range), only 0.2-4.7 % of Na, Ca and K are extracted. Within both, the alkaline and alkaline earth metals, increasing charge density and thus stronger binding to the hydration sphere correlates with decreased selectivity. The selectivity variation between alkaline earth and alkaline metals is explained by the higher valence of the former. For both groups of the periodic table, the negative correlation between charge density and selectivity and the independence of the sorption capacity from the sorbent to brine ratio indicates electrostatic sorption. The higher selectivity of the LMO for Mn, Zn and As over Li results primarily from chemical binding and complex formation. Regarding an industrial DLE application, the additional sorption processes enable high Li sorption capacities even at low brine pH, potentially avoiding the addition of base to increase Li extraction. The fast sorption kinetics enable the application of the sorbent in high-discharge industrial DLE applications, such as geothermal power plants. The higher selectivity for Ba, As and Zn than Li and their desorption into the stripping solution may be disadvantageous as it may lead to impure products (LiCl solutions) that require further purification or removal prior to the extraction. Since the desorption of these elements is incomplete, this may result in the accumulation at the sorbent, potentially decreasing Li sorption capacity and resulting in expensive disposal of the sorbent as hazardous waste. Despite this, the low selectivity for Na, Ca and K make the sorbent suitable for brines enriched in these elements.

The Huhta Au and Jouhineva Au-Co-Cu-Ag deposits lie 3 km apart in the Pohjanmaa Belt, western Finland, in Paleoproterozoic metavolcano-sedimentary host rocks. Both deposits are spatially and genetically related to the Sievi shear zone but have different metal endowments. The main regional structural grain is characterized by D2-D3 fold interference and NW-SE to NNW-SSE-trending D3 shear zones. Huhta hosts auriferous D3 quartz-arsenopyrite veins, while Jouhineva contains auriferous, Co-bearing D3 arsenopyrite-actinolite-quartz, and D4 quartz-chalcopyrite veins with native gold. Uranium–Pb titanite ages of 1830 Ma in D3 veins and alteration zones align with regional metamorphism. Gold mineralization postdates the intrusion of the nearby Rautio Batholith and peak metamorphism by 50 m.y. The auriferous D4 veins formed during progressive terrane exhumation, likely at 1805 Ma, contemporaneously with orogenic gold deposits in greenstone belts further south. Accretionary and collisional tectonics during the Svecobaltic orogeny represent the regional control for deformation and hydrothermal activity. Lack of precision in the titanite U–Pb data does not allow resolution between the absolute timing of orogenic mineralization at Jouhineva and Huhta, however, structures, veins, and alteration assemblages are similar, except for cobaltite in Jouhineva. This indicates contemporaneous formation of typical and atypical orogenic gold deposits in the region. Cobalt enrichment restricted to Jouhineva may be explained by different pH and/or fO2 during fluid-rock interaction or localized and compartmentalized fluid migration of different fluids in the Sievi shear zone system. Cobalt and Cu enrichment in Jouhineva are genetically and temporally unrelated, with the Cu-Au event being 25 m.y. younger.

Sri Lanka has high background radiation due to naturally occurring radionuclides like U-238, Th-232, and K-40 containing minerals. This study investigates the radiological characteristics of soil samples from the Matale District in central Sri Lanka, focusing on thorium (Th) and its potential mobility/bioavailability. Spectrometric data indicate that Th contributes most significantly to the elevated background radiation levels in this area. Thorium, present at approximately 0.2 wt.% in the bulk soil, was analyzed across various mineral phases, including oxides, silicates, and phosphates, using multiple extraction and characterization techniques. Light rare earth elements (REEs) were also examined due to their natural association with Th-bearing minerals. This study provides, for the first time, relevant information on Th minerals in central Sri Lankan soil, addressing a critical research gap in radiological assessments of inland soils in the country. Findings provide insights into radiation exposure risks and the environmental behavior of radionuclides, serving as an important starting point for future studies on radioactive risk assessment in central Sri Lanka. The results contribute to the understanding of soil properties and emphasize the importance of further comprehensive studies to fully assess health risks and develop potential environmental safety measures.

Sucrose, the primary carbon form synthesized by photosynthesis, is transported via the phloem for proper plant development and productivity. However, long-distance sucrose transport can become unbalanced under adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, we highlight the influence of salt stress on sugar partitioning in source versus sink tissues in sorghum under generative development including the role of stress induced sucrose transporter expression. The two sorghum genotypes displayed different responses to salinity in terms of resource allocation, in Della sugar was translocated to the stem and roots, whereas in Razinieh sugars were directed towards the grains. In Della, the unloading of sucrose in the roots was associated with increased expression levels of SbSUT6 and SbSWEET6, while in the internodes, sucrose unloading correlated with elevated levels of SbSWEET13 and the ABA-dependent transcription factor SbbZIP-TF-TRAB1. Conversely, in Razinieh, the expression of SbSUT2 in the flag internodes was linked to enhanced panicle development. In addition, a differential activation of SbSWEET13 and SbSUT6 promoters by ABA and MeJA was elucidated using dual-luciferase reporter assay in sorghum protoplasts. Finally, we arrive at a model where dynamic remodeling of sugar transport during generative development is crucial for the response to salt stress, and more manifested in sink tissues.

Central European fluvial systems shifted from naturally to anthropogenically controlled during the middle to late Holocene, responding uniquely to non-synchronous and interdependent natural and anthropogenic forcings. Previous research mainly focused on either large river systems or small catchments, yet meso-scale systems linking these have received little attention so far. Floodplains constitute an ideal setting to address this issue as their sediments recorded past river dynamics and human activity. This study investigates the transition from natural to anthropogenic control in the meso-scale Kinzig River in southwestern Germany using a combination of sedimentology, geochemical analysis, luminescence dating, and geophysical surveys. In the Kinzig catchment, three phases of floodplain accumulation are identified with characteristic sedimentation rates: late Pleistocene–early Holocene until 9.0 ka (0.1 mm a−1), middle–late Holocene from 9.0 until 0.82 ka (0.3 mm a−1), and the modern era from 0.82 ka until current times (1.1 mm a−1). Characterising these phases are decreasing grain sizes and increasing heavy metal concentrations (barium, lead, copper) in overbank fines, correlating with historical mining activity (peaking in the 16th and 18th centuries). This indicates the impact of mining on sediment delivery via deforestation that caused hillslope instability and sediment contamination. A cross-reference of floodplain stratigraphy with the catchment land use history reveals a gradual shift to an anthropogenically altered system, with intensified human impacts over the last 1000 years, approximately. This aligns with high floodplain sedimentation rates related to human presence. These findings depict the timing and dynamics of anthropogenic impacts on meso-scale fluvial systems in previously natural landscapes.

Amidst intensifying impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressure, seawater intrusion (SWI) emerges as a growing threat for delta systems worldwide, compromising freshwater resources and ecosystem stability. The Mekong Delta (MD) and its southernmost province Ca Mau are at the frontline of climate change impacts and anthropogenic modifications of the hydrological regime. To assess the inter-annual variability of river SWI, factors contributing to changes of the hydraulic pressure gradient between freshwater and seawater are analyzed. By utilizing long-term hydro-meteorological data from 2000 to 2022, the collective impact of catchment-scale and local-scale factors on salinity is evaluated. While salinity gradually increases by more than 10 g/L during the dry season, significant inter-annual differences of up to 15 g/L in peak salinity occur, regularly reaching and exceeding seawater salinity levels. Upstream freshwater discharge patterns were identified as major control for coastal water levels and resulting salinity levels. While climate variability governs natural upstream discharge fluctuations, dam constructions and operational responses to low-rainfall years lead to unfavorable conditions along the Mekong River, shifting and prolonging the low discharge period in the delta. This intensifies hydrological drought conditions and triggers extreme SWI events. Land subsidence of up to 2 cm per year, derived from water level records, is driving relative sea level rise and increasing the MD's vulnerability to future SWI. Mitigation strategies for SWI are examined from new perspectives, highlighting the benefits of increasing early dry-season discharge through rethought upstream reservoir operations and water storage concepts, as well as adapted local sluice gate management.

The demand for Li is and will be increasing in the future, and the development of a direct Li extraction (DLE) technology from unconventional resources, like geothermal brines, may contribute to a resilient supply in the future. This study investigates the deintercalation from and intercalation of Li in LiFePO4 (LFP) at 25-80 degrees C, near neutral to acidic pH and the effect of high salinity on the Li extraction performance. The (de-)lithiation is a fully reversible redox process between triphylite and heterosite. Lithium is delithiated from LFP using 0.1 M Na2S2O8 at 42-43 mg/g. The lithiation kinetics increase with temperature, but show a complex relationship to reducing agent (Na2S2O3) concentration. The maximum re-intercalation is achieved in synthetic LiCl + 0.5 M Na2S2O3 solution at 39 mg/g, 25 degrees C and 7 days, whereas 27 mg/g and 1.3 mg/g Li are intercalated to LFP within 3-4 h in experiments with Bruchsal and synthetic Neustadt-Glewe geothermal brines at 60 degrees C, respectively. At optimal parameters, >99 % Li are recovered from both geothermal brines in laboratory experiments. This shows that LFP can be used for DLE from geothermal brines under specific conditions in a purely chemical process.

New stalagmites from Qadisha Cave (Lebanon) located at 1720 m above sea level provide a high-resolution and well-dated record for northern Mount Lebanon. The stalagmites grew discontinuously from 9.2 to 5.7 and at 3.5 ka, and they show a tendency to move from a more negative oxygen isotope signal at similar to 9.1 ka to a more positive signal at similar to 5.8 ka. Such a trend reflects a change from a wetter to a drier climate at high altitudes. The delta C-13 signal shows rapid shifts throughout the record and a decreasing trend toward more negative values in the mid-Holocene, suggesting enhanced soil activity. In the short-term trend, Qadisha stalagmites record rapid dry/wet changes on centennial scales, with a tendency to more rapid dry events toward the mid-Holocene. Such changes are characterized by overall good agreement between both geochemical proxies and stalagmite growth and might be affected by the seasonal variations in snow cover. The Qadisha record is in good agreement with other Levantine records, showing more humid conditions from 9 to 7 ka. After 7 ka, a drier climate seems to affect sites at both low- and high-altitude areas. The Qadisha record reflects uniquely mountainous climate characteristics compared with other records, specifically the effect of snow cover and its duration regulating the effective infiltration.