Mineralogical and chemical characterization of wastes from the sulfuric acid industry in Falun, Sweden

Abstract

 Wastes from the sulfuric acid industry are an environmental concern, because of the emission of acids, heavy metals, and sulfate to the environment. The wastes in Falun consist of 70–80% iron oxides, 10–20% silicates, less than 10% residual sulfides, and small amounts of secondary precipitates (iron hydroxides and Fe-, Zn- and Cu-sulfates). Due to the different behavior of sulfides during the roasting process, pyrrhotite and sphalerite are the major sulfide residues associated with lesser amounts of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. The leachates are low-pH and enriched in Zn, Fe, and SO₄. The acid ferric Fe-rich solution promotes the dissolution of sphalerite and favors the formation of Pb-sulfate coatings on galena, providing an armoring effect which slows down the further oxidation of the galena. The residual sulfides are the potential source for acid generation and metal release. During the roasting process, iron oxides retain small amounts of sulfur and sphalerite forms alteration rims containing Zn-oxides. The iron oxides and Zn-oxides are important contributors to SO₄ and Zn in the leachates. The conditions in the waste deposit are favorable for the precipitation of Zn-, Cu-Fe-sulfates (e.g. gunningite, chalcanthite, Zn-copiapite). The highly soluble sulfates play important roles in controlling the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Zn, and SO₄ in the leachates. The mineralogical and geochemical data help to develop the reclamation strategies of this type of industrial wastes.