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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:34
A Dual-Functional Electroactive Filter Towards Simultaneously Sb(III) Oxidation and Sequestration
Published on: December 5, 2019
Antimony speciation and its environmental impact: A comparative analysis across contaminated sites
Yidan Zhang1, Maxim I Boyanov2, Edward J O'Loughlin3
1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|August 12, 2026
Summary
Antimony speciation in contaminated soils is primarily governed by mineralogy and iron interactions, not microbial activity. Understanding these abiotic processes is key to assessing environmental risks at diverse antimony-affected sites.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Solid-phase antimony (Sb) speciation is crucial for evaluating its environmental mobility and risks at contaminated sites.
- Limited comparative field studies exist across different contamination sources and environments.
- Understanding Sb speciation is vital for effective environmental remediation and risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Sb mineralogy and speciation in soils and rocks from an Sb mine, shooting range, and refinery.
- To correlate Sb speciation with local biogeochemical parameters.
- To compare Sb behavior across contrasting contamination scenarios.
Main Methods:
- X-ray spectroscopic analyses to determine Sb speciation and mineralogy.
- Collection and analysis of soil and rock samples from three distinct contaminated sites.
- Microbial community analysis to assess Sb-related microbial populations and influence.
Main Results:
- Antimony(V) (Sb(V)) was the dominant oxidation state across all sites.
- Sb speciation varied, with tripuhyite and/or roméite at mine/refinery sites, and surface-associated Sb(V) immobilized by iron (Fe) at the shooting range.
- Microbial communities showed adaptation to contaminated environments with negligible Sb(III)-oxidizing bacteria, indicating low Sb bioavailability.
Conclusions:
- Site-specific contamination sources and abiotic processes, particularly Fe-mediated oxidation and stabilization, control long-term Sb speciation.
- Direct microbial involvement in Sb speciation is minimal, despite diverse microbial adaptations.
- Comparative field studies are essential for understanding Sb behavior in diverse contaminated environments.
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