Sources, migration and control factors of antimony in soil profiles in karst areas: evidence from antimony isotopes

This study aims to investigate the source, migration and control factors of heavy metal antimony(Sb) in soil profile of karst area by using antimony isotope method. This finding underscores the considerable potential of Sb isotope tracer technology for tracking biogeochemical processes and provides an important scientific foundation to improve understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of Sb in karst areas. We analyzed the major and trace elements, Sb contents, mineral compositions, and Sb isotope composition of this soil profile located in the karst area of Guizhou Province.