Arsenic effects and behavior in association with the Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of schwertmannite.
In acid-mine drainage and acid-sulfate soil environments, the cycling of Fe and As are often linked to the formation and fate of schwertmannite (Fe(8)O(8)(OH)(8-2x)(SO(4))(x)). When schwertmannite-rich material is subjected to near-neutral Fe(III)-reducing conditions (e.g., in reflooded acid-sulfate soils or mining-lake sediments), the resulting Fe(II) can catalyze transformation of schwertmannite to goethite. This work examines the effects of arsenic(V) and arsenic(III) on the Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of schwertmannite and investigates the associated consequences of this mineral transformation for arsenic mobilization. A series of 9-day anoxic transformation experiments were conducted with synthetic schwertmannite and various additions of Fe(II), As(III), and As(V). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy demonstrated that, in the absence of Fe(II), schwertmannite persisted as the dominant mineral phase. Under arsenic-free conditions, 10 mM Fe(II) catalyzed rapid and complete transformation of schwertmannite to goethite. However, the magnitude of Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation decreased to 72% in the presence of 1 mM As(III) and to only 6% in the presence of 1 mM As(V). This partial Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of As(III)-sorbed schwertmannite did not cause considerable As(III) desorption. In contrast, the formation of goethite via partial transformation of As(III)- and As(V)-sorbed schwertmannite significantly decreased arsenic mobilization under Fe(III)-reducing conditions. This implies that the Fe(II)-catalyzed transformation of schwertmannite to goethite may help to stabilize solid-phase arsenic and retard its subsequent release to groundwater.
Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia. ed.burton@scu.edu.au
Edward D
ED
Burton
Scott G
SG
Johnston
Kym
K
Watling
Richard T
RT
Bush
Annabelle F
AF
Keene
Leigh A
LA
Sullivan
D000327:Adsorption; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D007501:Iron / Q000737:chemistry*; D058085:Iron Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D056928:X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D058085:Iron Compounds; C511969:schwertmannite; D007501:Iron; D001151:Arsenic