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Arsenic mobilization from sediments in microcosms under sulfate reduction
Jing Sun1, Andrew N Quicksall2, Steven N Chillrud3
1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, Mail Code 5505, New York, NY 10027, USA; Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, PO Box 1000, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964, USA.
Chemosphere
|April 3, 2016
Summary
Microbial sulfate reduction shows potential for arsenic removal in groundwater remediation. However, effectiveness varies, with some sediments releasing arsenic due to complex iron and sulfur interactions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Arsenic contamination poses risks to groundwater quality.
- Microbial sulfate reduction is a potential remediation strategy for arsenic.
- Understanding arsenic mobility in sulfidic environments is crucial for remediation success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of microbial sulfate reduction in controlling dissolved arsenic concentrations.
- To assess the role of sediment geochemistry and microbial activity in arsenic immobilization.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using sulfate reduction for in situ groundwater remediation.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory-scale microcosms using sediments from Superfund and mining sites.
- Amendments with lactate and sulfate, followed by incubation.
- Analysis using X-ray absorption spectroscopy and sulfur cycling assessment.
Main Results:
- Sulfate reduction led to transient and incomplete arsenic removal in Vineland sediments.
- Arsenic release or conversion to soluble thioarsenates occurred in Vineland sediments.
- Coeur d'Alene sediments showed more effective arsenic removal via substitution and adsorption in iron sulfides.
Conclusions:
- Microbial sulfate reduction's success in arsenic remediation is site-specific.
- Effective arsenic immobilization requires understanding the interplay between iron and sulfur redox cycles.
- Further research is needed to optimize in situ arsenic remediation strategies.
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