Electrochemical analysis of highly reactive pyrite

K. M. Watling, E. D. Burton, M. Johnston, R. T. Bush, L. A. Sullivan

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Highly reactive pyritic material, exposed during the construction of the Pennsylvania Interstate Highway 99 (I-99), has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman microprobe spectroscopy, electron microscopy and electrochemical methods. Mineral standards of marcasite, arsenopyrite and pyrite were compared in order to determine the cause of the rapid acidification and liberation of dissolved metals observed in the exposed Pennsylvanian pyritic material. Linear sweep voltammetry found no significant differences in the electrochemical activity, however, a significantly lower open circuit potential was found in the reactive pyrite material than in the pyrite or marcasite standards. In addition to sulfur and iron, high concentrations of zinc and aluminium impurities were observed in Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis of the finest crystals of the Pennsylvanian pyritic material.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationElectrochemistry in Mineral and Metal Processing 8 (EMMP 8)
EditorsF. M. Doyle, R. Woods, G. H. Kelsall
Place of PublicationPennington, NJ, USA
PublisherThe Electrochemical Society
Pages129-140
Number of pages12
Volume28
Edition6
ISBN (Electronic)9781607681465
ISBN (Print)9781566777964
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Externally publishedYes
Event8th International Symposium on Electrochemistry in Mineral and Metal Processing - 217th ECS Meeting - Vancouver, BC, Canada
Duration: 26 Apr 201028 Apr 2010

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
PublisherThe Electrochemical Society
Volume28
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Conference

Conference8th International Symposium on Electrochemistry in Mineral and Metal Processing - 217th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityVancouver, BC
Period26/04/1028/04/10

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