leaching processes

Leaching is a process where liquids, such as water or chemicals, pass through materials like soil or rock, dissolving and transporting specific substances, often useful minerals or contaminants. This process is used intentionally in industries like mining to extract valuable metals from ore, or can occur naturally, causing pollution as harmful substances leach into groundwater. The effectiveness depends on the material's composition, the liquid's properties, and the contact time. Overall, leaching is a way to separate or remove certain components from solids by dissolving them into liquids.