Geochemical processes in acidic water caused by the weathering of metal sulphides

M. P. Asta Andrés; P. Acero Salazar; L. F. Auqué Sanz; M. J. Gimeno Serrano; J. B. Gómez Jiménez

doi:10.21701/bolgeomin.122.2.010

Authors

M. P. Asta Andrés Grupo de Modelización Geoquímica, Área de Petrología y Geoquímica del Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza
P. Acero Salazar Grupo de Modelización Geoquímica, Área de Petrología y Geoquímica del Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza
L. F. Auqué Sanz Grupo de Modelización Geoquímica, Área de Petrología y Geoquímica del Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza
M. J. Gimeno Serrano Grupo de Modelización Geoquímica, Área de Petrología y Geoquímica del Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza
J. B. Gómez Jiménez Grupo de Modelización Geoquímica, Área de Petrología y Geoquímica del Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21701/bolgeomin.122.2.010

Keywords:

acid drainage, geochemistry, mining, weathering

Abstract

Acid generated by the oxidative dissolution of metal sulphides is one of the main sources of pollution in runoff water, groundwater, soils and sediments throughout the world. These types of water are very acidic and contain high concentrations of sulphate and other potentially contaminating elements such Fe, As, Cd, Sb, Zn and Cu. The acidity generated by sulphide oxidation processes is mainly controlled by the type, quantity and distribution of the sulphide-rich rocks, by the physical characteristics of the rocks (since they determine the accessibility of aqueous solutions and gases to the sulphides), by the presence of microorganisms able to catalyze the main chemical reactions involved in the formation of acid drainage, and by the existence of minerals capable of neutralizing acidity. As a result, the generation of acidic water is a very complex problem, the study of which must be undertaken via a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account geological, geochemical, mineralogical and microbiological aspects among others. The aim of our work is to provide a general overview of these processes and other factors that influence the generation and evolution of these systems, together with information concerning current scientific knowledge about each of these approaches. Thus we hope to provide a basic background to the understanding and study of acid-water systems associated with the weathering of metal sulphides and the processes involved in the generation, migration, evolution and natural attenuation of acidic waters in these environments.

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References

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