Paper No. 4-0
REACTION MECHANISMS AND KINETICS FOR OXIDATION OF FERROUS IRON BY H2O2 IN NET ALKALINE MINE DRAINAGE
SWEENEY, Daniel C., Dept. of Geology/Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6300, dsweeney@geo.wvu.edu, DONOVAN, Joseph J., Dept. of Geology/Geography, West Virginia Univ, Morgantown, WV 26506-6300, and LEAVITT, Bruce R., Consulting Hydrogeologist, 2776 S-Bridge Rd, Washington, PA 15301

This investigation examines ferrous iron oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in iron-rich, net alkaline mine drainage (NAMD). The purpose was to determine the reaction mechanism and aqueous chemistry of direct mixing between anoxic NAMD and H2O2, a potential oxidant for in-situ removal of metals. An abandoned underground mine from which NAMD is pumped in northern West Virginia was used as a representative, "fresh" source of water for these experiments. Its chemistry exhibits an approximate average dissolved Fe concentration (mainly ferrous) of 103 mg/L, pH 6.2, and 460 mg/L CaCO3 alkalinity. Lab simulation of Fe oxidation was performed by injection of concentrated (8 M) H2O2 at six different dosages into a uniform flow of NAMD, simulating "plug flow" of mine groundwater. Aliquots were withdrawn immediately after vigorous reagent mixing, then held without air entry and sampled at from 0.1 to 120 hours for chemical analysis of solutes, pH, ORP, DO, and alkalinity. Fe was rapidly precipitated as Fe(OH)3 soon after injection in all samples, reducing dissolved Fe to below detection in all but the 2 lowest dosages. At these low dosages, Fe precipitation was partial and initially rapid, then much slower after 2 hours. Results analyzed using PHREEQC indicate that Fe precipitation-induced acidity causes conversion of HCO3 to CO2, resulting in elevation of partial pressure and in some samples outgassing of CO2. Results suggest that reaction occurs via a mechanism similar to that of Fenton's reagent, with very rapid oxidation by OH radical and subsequent slower reaction of residual iron with dissolved O2 generated by early decomposition of H2O2. Companion field simulations at the mine site mirror lab simulations on a larger scale. The results suggest that H2O2 has potential for very rapid ferrous iron oxidation/precipitation but will require very effective mixing and careful control of dosage to preclude undesirable oxidation effects.

North-Central Section (36th) and Southeastern Section (51st), GSA Joint Annual Meeting (April 3–5, 2002)
Session No. 4
Hydrogeology and Environmental Geoscience
Hyatt Regency Hotel: Patterson Ballroom A
1:00 PM-5:00 PM, Wednesday, April 3, 2002
 

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