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Role of organic matter in framboidal pyrite oxidation

Rigby, Portia A. and Dobos, Steve and Cook, Freeman J. and Goonetilleke, Ashantha (2006) Role of organic matter in framboidal pyrite oxidation. Science of the Total Environment 367(2-3):pp. 847-854.

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Abstract

An experimental system has been set up to investigate the reaction kinetics of framboidal pyrite oxidation in real, reactive acid sulfate soil assemblages. This study was undertaken to determine the degree to which pyrite oxidation rates are reduced by bacteriological reactions and organic matter, which both modify the net reaction mechanisms and compete for available oxygen. The results from these experimental runs not only confirm the role of organic matter in mitigating pyrite oxidation, but indicate that, at least initially, the acidity produced is consumed or otherwise ameliorated by parallel reactions. Tracking pH or [H+] in both a reactor and in soil does not accurately reflect reaction progress, and may not correctly indicate the true level of risk. In comparison, the tracking of pyrite oxidation with the concentration of sulfate in solution is not affected by side reactions or precipitation, and is therefore a better indicator for the rate of pyrite destruction.

Item Type:Journal Article
Status:Published
Keywords:acid sulfate soils, framboidal pyrite oxidation, organic matter
Subjects:300000 Agricultural, Veterinary and Environmental Sciences > 300100 Soil and Water Sciences > 300103 Soil Chemistry
290000 Engineering and Technology > 291100 Environmental Engineering > 291199 Environmental Engineering not elsewhere classified
ID Code:8629
Deposited By:Goonetilleke, Ashantha
Deposited On:13 July 2007
Alternative Locations:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2004.10.011
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2006 Elsevier
Copyright Statement:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.