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Element mobility during pyrite weathering: implications for acid and heavy metal pollution at mining-impacted sites

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Based on back scattered electron images and electron micro-probe analysis results, four alteration layers, including a transition layer, a reticulated ferric oxide layer, a nubby ferric oxide layer and a cellular ferric oxide layer, were identified in the naturally weathering products of pyrite. These layers represent a progressive alteration sequence of pyrite under weathering conditions. The cellular ferric oxide layer correlates with the strongest weathering phase and results from the dissolution of nubby ferric oxide by acidic porewater. Leaching coefficient was introduced to better express the response of element mobility to the degree of pyrite weathering. Its variation shows that the mobility of S, Co and Bi is stronger than As, Cu and Zn. Sulfur in pyrite is oxidized to sulfuric acid and sulfate that are basically released into to porewater, and heavy metals Co and Bi are evidently released by acid dissolution. As, Cu and Zn are enriched in ferric oxide by adsorption and by co-precipitation, but they would re-release to the environment via desorption or dissolution when porewater pH becomes low enough. Consequently, Co, Bi, As, Cu and Zn may pose a substantial impact on water quality. Considering that metal mobility and its concentration in mine waste are two important factors influencing heavy metal pollution at mining-impacted sites, Bi and Co are more important pollutants in this case.

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Acknowledgements

This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, (40025209) and the Hundred Talents Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2000[254]). EMPA and BSE images were completed in the State Key Laboratory for Mineral Deposit Research, Nanjing University. The authors would like to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. X.D. Li at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for his constructive comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, People’s Republic of China

    Long Lu & Fanrong Chen

  2. The Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Ecology and Bio-resource Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330029, People’s Republic of China

    Long Lu

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, People’s Republic of China

    Rucheng Wang, Jiyue Xue, Peihua Zhang & Jianjun Lu

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  1. Long Lu
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  2. Rucheng Wang
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  3. Fanrong Chen
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Correspondence to Fanrong Chen.

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Lu, L., Wang, R., Chen, F. et al. Element mobility during pyrite weathering: implications for acid and heavy metal pollution at mining-impacted sites. Environ Geol 49, 82–89 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0061-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-005-0061-8

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