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Comparison of metal enrichment in pyrite framboids from a metal-enriched and metal-poor estuary

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 06:57 authored by Gregory, D, Sebastien MeffreSebastien Meffre, Ross LargeRoss Large
The accumulation of metals and metalloids in diagenetic pyrite framboids is of interest because framboids can be a sink for heavy metal contaminants, a source of metals in ore deposits, and a tool to interpret paleo-ocean chemistry. In this study, we have used laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) to analyze pyrite framboids from both the contaminated Derwent Estuary and the uncontaminated Huon Estuary in Tasmania, Australia. While the enrichment of many trace metals in the Huon Estuary followed expected trends, the trends in the Derwent were quite different. In addition to the expected high contents of Pb, Zn, and Cu in the contaminated interval it was found that several elements are not as strongly incorporated into pyrite within the contaminated zone. It is suggested that this is due to over-competition for adsorption sites on the growing iron sulfides in the contaminated zone resulting in diffusion of several elements to deeper levels in the sediments. This results in an increase of these elements in pyrite below the zone of major contamination. The LA-ICPMS technique also provided the opportunity to obtain accurate data on gold, silver, and tellurium in pyrite, something rarely achieved in sequential leach extractions due to the low concentrations of these metals observed in nature.

Funding

Australian Research Council

AMIRA International Ltd

ARC C of E Industry Partner $ to be allocated

Anglo American Exploration Philippines Inc

AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited

Australian National University

BHP Billiton Ltd

Barrick (Australia Pacific) PTY Limited

CSIRO Earth Science & Resource Engineering

Mineral Resources Tasmania

Minerals Council of Australia

Newcrest Mining Limited

Newmont Australia Ltd

Oz Minerals Australia Limited

Rio Tinto Exploration

St Barbara Limited

Teck Cominco Limited

University of Melbourne

University of Queensland

Zinifex Australia Ltd

History

Publication title

American Mineralogist

Volume

99

Issue

4

Pagination

633-644

ISSN

0003-004X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Mineralogical Soc Amer

Place of publication

1015 Eighteenth St, Nw Suite 601, Washington, USA, Dc, 20036

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 The Mineralogical Society of America

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

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