GEOC 73 |
| Martin A Schoonen, Department of Geosciences, Center for Environmental Molecular Science, The State University of New York at Stony Brook, ESS Building, Stony Brook, NY 11794-2100 and Daniel R Strongin, Chemistry, Temple University. |
| The reactivity of pyrite, in particular its oxidative dissolution, is of environmental and geological importance. By using an interdisciplinary approach that leverages our expertise in surface science and aqueous geochemistry we have been able to gain a better understanding of the fundamental reactions that take place at the pyrite surface. Early on in this long-term research program we established that pyrite contains sulfur-deficient defect. Recent work has shown that these defects react with water to form OH radical and hydrogen peroxide. While the precise mechanism of the OH radical and hydrogen peroxide formation is still under study, their formation can lead to decomposition of organic molecules and other radical scavengers. We also speculate that the defect sites play an important role in creating sites for electron transfer as the pyrite undergoes oxidation with either ferric iron or molecular oxygen. This is corroborated by theoretical studies conducted by others. Design of new acid mine drainage abatement strategies will benefit from these new insights. |
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Interfacial Phenomena: Linking Atomistic and Macroscopic Properties
8:00 AM-11:40 AM, Tuesday, March 30, 2004 Marriott -- Marquis NW, Oral
Division of Geochemistry |