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12:59
A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: January 8, 2016
Sonochemical dissolution of cinnabar (alpha-HgS)
Ziqi He1, Samuel J Traina, Linda K Weavers
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Geodetic Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology
|March 3, 2007
Summary
Sonochemical treatment dissolves cinnabar, releasing sulfur oxidation products and mercury(II). Ultrasound enhances dissolution and mercury adsorption, especially with humic acid, but limits mercury release.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Sonochemistry
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Cinnabar (HgS) is a primary mercury ore.
- Understanding mercury release from cinnabar is crucial for environmental remediation.
- Sonochemistry offers a novel approach for mineral processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sonochemical dissolution of cinnabar.
- To quantify sulfur oxidation products (S(ox)) and dissolved mercury(II) (Hg(II)).
- To explore the influence of ultrasound and humic acid on cinnabar dissolution and mercury release.
Main Methods:
- Sonochemical treatment of cinnabar suspensions.
- Analysis of sulfur oxidation products (S(ox)) and dissolved Hg(II).
- Use of terephthalic acid to scavenge hydroxyl radicals (*OH).
- Hg(II) adsorption isotherm studies.
- Determination of cinnabar surface isoelectric point (IEP).
Main Results:
- Ultrasound induced cinnabar dissolution, evidenced by S(ox) detection.
- Oxidative dissolution occurred in both bulk solution and cavitation bubble interfaces.
- Sulfate (SO4(2-)) was the main S(ox); dissolved S(-II) was not detected.
- Dissolved Hg(II) release was limited by re-adsorption onto cinnabar particles.
- Ultrasound reduced particle size and increased surface area, enhancing Hg(II) adsorption.
- Sonication increased cinnabar IEP, suggesting Hg(II) adsorption or phase transformation.
- Humic acid and ultrasound exhibited synergistic effects, enhancing dissolution and Hg(II) release.
Conclusions:
- Sonochemistry effectively dissolves cinnabar, with oxidative pathways playing a key role.
- Hg(II) re-adsorption onto cinnabar particles significantly limits mercury release.
- Ultrasound-induced changes in cinnabar surface properties influence Hg(II) adsorption.
- The combination of ultrasound and humic acid presents a promising strategy for enhanced cinnabar dissolution and mercury recovery.
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