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Galvanic interaction between wolframite and galena: ROS generation and its role in galena oxidation.

Dongmei Hou¹, Haotian Jiang², Chuncheng Li³

¹Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Persistent Pollutants Prevention Control and Resource Reuse, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063, PR China; Key Laboratory of Ionic Rare Earth Resources and Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ganzhou 341000, PR China.

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Summary

Galvanic interaction between wolframite and galena accelerates galena oxidation and lead release via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This finding is crucial for managing environmental contamination in tungsten mining areas.

Keywords:

Galena Galvanic interaction Pb Reactive oxygen species Wolframite

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Area of Science:

Geochemistry
Environmental Science
Materials Science

Background:

Galena oxidation is a key process controlling lead release and environmental contamination.
The paragenetic association of galena with wolframite in tungsten deposits suggests potential galvanic interactions.
The role of galvanic couples between oxides and sulfides, specifically wolframite and galena, is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of wolframite on galena oxidation.
To elucidate the role of galvanic interaction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process.
To understand the implications for lead release and pollution mitigation in mining environments.

Main Methods:

Leaching experiments
Electrochemical techniques
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) analysis
Density functional theory (DFT) calculations

Main Results:

Galvanic interaction between wolframite (cathode) and galena (anode) was confirmed, facilitating galena oxidation via electron transfer.
This interaction promotes the generation of ROS, particularly hydroxyl radicals (•OH), which further accelerate galena oxidation.
DFT calculations revealed a type-II staggered band alignment driving electron transfer from galena to wolframite, enhancing O2 reduction and ROS formation.

Conclusions:

Wolframite significantly enhances galena oxidation through galvanic coupling and ROS generation, impacting lead release.
Hydroxyl radicals (•OH), potentially formed via Fenton reactions with Fe2+ from wolframite, are critical oxidants.
Findings provide crucial insights for managing lead pollution in coexisting galena-wolframite mining areas.