Leaching

Leaching is a process where water or another liquid pulls out dissolved substances from a material, like soil or ore. When rainwater seeps through soil, it can carry away nutrients, minerals, or contaminants, carrying them into surrounding areas or groundwater. This natural or human-induced process influences environmental health and the quality of water sources. In mining, leaching is used intentionally to extract valuable metals from rocks by passing liquids through them. Overall, leaching involves the movement of soluble substances from one material into a liquid, often affecting ecosystems and resource management.