Factors influencing the oxidation of arsenic-bearing sulfide minerals

2 Factors influencing the oxidation of arsenic-bearing sulfide minerals 

Many factors affect the oxidation rates of sulfide minerals and the chemistry of their oxidation products. A few of the important factors are briefly introduced in this section and discussed in further detail in this and later chapters. As a result of the complex interactions between these different factors, high-arsenic rocks and mining wastes will not automatically produce high-arsenic weathering products and aqueous solutions (Piske, 1990). 

1 Mineralogy, trace chemistry, and surface areas of the sulfides 

2 Presence and chemistry of fluids in contact with sulfide minerals 

Dry air is an inefficient oxidant of sulfide minerals. In the presence of water, however, oxidants (such as O2 and Fe(III) compounds) and strong reductants (such as H2S) are important in determining the stability of 

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