leach

Leach is a surname of English origin and is used by many people in English-speaking countries. It has appeared in various fields, including politics, science, sports, and the arts, and individuals with the surname have contributed to public life in different regions.

In scientific and technical contexts, leach (as a verb) refers to the process by which soluble components are dissolved and carried away by a moving liquid that passes through a material. Leaching describes the removal or extraction of substances from a solid by percolating liquids, and it is a common concept across several disciplines.

Mining and metallurgy use leaching as a method to extract valuable constituents from ores. Cyanide leaching is a well-known technique for recovering gold from ore, often implemented in heap leaching or in-tile arrangements. Leaching is also a broader term in hydrometallurgy, where solvents dissolve specific components for recovery.

In soil science and agriculture, leaching describes the downward movement of water and dissolved minerals through the soil profile. This can transport nutrients away from the root zone, potentially reducing soil fertility, and it may also mobilize contaminants that reach groundwater. Leachate is the term for the liquid that has percolated through materials and collected dissolved substances; it is a central concern in environmental engineering, especially in the management of landfills and contaminated soils.

A leach field, or drain field, is a component of some septic systems, where treated wastewater is dispersed into soil for final treatment and absorption.