Sorption of Arsenic(V) and Arsenic(III) to schwertmannite

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
D. Burton, Edward
T. Bush, Richard
G. Johnston, Scott
M. Watling, Kim
K. Hocking, Rosalie
A. Sullivan, Leigh
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2009
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

This study describes the sorption of As(V) and As(III) to schwertmannite as a function of pH and arsenic loading. In general, sorption of As(V) was greatest at low pH, whereas high pH favored the sorption of As(III). The actual pH of equivalent As(V) and As(III) sorption was strongly loading dependent, decreasing from pH 8.0 at loadings <120 mmolAs molFe-1 to pH 4.6 at a loading of 380 mmolAs molFe-1. Sorption isotherms for As(V) were characterized by strong partitioning to the schwertmannite solid-phase at low loadings and sorption capacities of 225-330 mmolAs(V) molFe-1 at high loadings. In contrast, the As(III) isotherms revealed a weak affinity for sorption of As(III) versus As(V) at low loadings yet a greater affinity for As(III) sorption compared with As(V) at high loadings (when pH > 4.6). Sorption of As(V) and As(III) caused significant release of SO42- from within the schwertmannite solid-phase, without major degradation of the schwertmannite structure (as evident by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy). This can be interpreted as arsenic sorption via incorporation into the schwertmannite structure, rather than merely surface complexation at the mineral-water interface. The results of this study have important implications for arsenic mobility in the presence of schwertmannite, such as in areas affected by acid-mine drainage and acid-sulfate soils. In particular, arsenic speciation, arsenic loading, and pH should be considered when predicting and managing arsenic mobility in schwertmannite-rich systems.

Journal Title

Environmental Science & Technology

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

43

Issue

24

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2009 American Chemical Society. Self-archiving of the author-manuscript version is not yet supported by this publisher. Please refer to the journal link for access to the definitive, published version or contact the authors for more information.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections