Kinetics and mechanism of As2S3(am) dissolution under N2

Arsenic presence in ground and surface waters poses a risk to ecosystem and human health; consequently, detailed information is needed on the factors that govern arsenic fate and transport in the environment. As2S3 is commonly found in hydrothermal and geothermal environments, hot springs, and in gold deposits, but the dominant reaction pathways and rates of dissolution are not well understood. The objectives of this research were as follows: (1) to understand the effect of pH on the dissolution of As2S3 under nitrogen-purged conditions, (2) to examine arsenic and sulfur speciation upon dissolution, and (3) to develop kinetic data for modeling the dissolution of As2S3. Studies were performed in batch reactors for a range of pH from 2 to 8. Results indicate that As2S3 dissolution is kinetically slow but very much dependent on pH. A J-shaped dissolution rate versus pH curve is described by the following expression: rate (microM h(-1)) = 0.9 + 610[OH-](0.3). Rate trends seem to follow As2S3 solubility as a function of pH. A surface dissolution mechanism is proposed, leading to dissolved As(III) species. Results indicate that under anaerobic conditions, an increase in pH will act to promote the arsenic sulfide dissolution rate.