Reductive biotransformation of Fe in shale-limestone saprolite containing Fe(III) oxides and Fe(II)/Fe(III) phyllosilicates

A <2.0-mm fraction of a mineralogically complex subsurface sediment containing goethite and Fe(II)/Fe(III) phyllosilicates was incubated with Shewanella putrefaciens (strain CN32) and lactate at circumneutral pH under anoxic conditions to investigate electron acceptor preference and the nature of the resulting biogenic Fe(II) fraction. Anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS), an electron shuttle, was included in select treatments to enhance bioreduction and subsequent biomineralization. The sediment was highly aggregated and contained two distinct clast populations: (i) a highly weathered one with “sponge-like” internal porosity, large mineral crystallites, and Fe-containing micas, and (ii) a dense, compact one with fine-textured Fe-containing illite and nano-sized goethite, as revealed by various forms of electron microscopic analyses. Approximately 10-15% of the Fe(III)_TOT was bioreduced by CN32 over 60 d in media without AQDS, whereas 24% and 35% of the Fe(III)_TOT was bioreduced by CN32 after 40 and 95 d in media with AQDS. Little or no Fe²⁺, Mn, Si, Al, and Mg were evident in aqueous filtrates after reductive incubation. Mössbauer measurements on the bioreduced sediments indicated that both goethite and phyllosilicate Fe(III) were partly reduced without bacterial preference. Goethite was more extensively reduced in the presence of AQDS whereas phyllosilicate Fe(III) reduction was not influenced by AQDS. Biogenic Fe(II) resulting from phyllosilicate Fe(III) reduction remained in a layer-silicate environment that displayed enhanced solubility in weak acid. The mineralogic nature of the goethite biotransformation product was not determined. Chemical and cryogenic Mössbauer measurements, however, indicated that the transformation product was not siderite, green rust, magnetite, Fe(OH)₂, or Fe(II) adsorbed on phyllosilicate or bacterial surfaces. Several lines of evidence suggested that biogenic Fe(II) existed as surface associated phase on the residual goethite, and/or as a Fe(II)-Al coprecipitate. Sediment aggregation and mineral physical and/or chemical factors were demonstrated to play a major role on the nature and location of the biotransformation reaction and its products.     

Heterogeneous electron-transfer kinetics with synchrotron Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy

In the first known kinetic application of the technique, synchrotron ⁵⁷Fe-Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to follow the rate of heterogeneous electron transfer between aqueous reagents and a solid phase containing Fe. The solid, a synthetic ⁵⁷Fe-enriched Fe(III)-bearing pyroaurite-like phase having terephthalate (TA) in the interlayer [Mg₃Fe(OH)₈(TA)_0.5 · 2H₂O], was reduced by Na₂S₂O₄ and then reoxidized by K₂Cr₂O₇ by means of a novel flow-through cell. Synchrotron Mössbauer spectra were collected in the time domain at 30-s intervals. Integration of the intensity obtained during a selected time interval in the spectra allowed sensitive determination of Fe(II) content as a function of reaction time. Analysis of reaction end member specimens by both the synchrotron technique and conventional Mössbauer spectroscopy yielded comparable values for Mössbauer parameters such as center shift and Fe(II)/Fe(III) area ratios. Slight differences in quadrupole splitting values were observed, however. A reactive diffusion model was developed that fit the experimental Fe(II) kinetic data well and allowed the extraction of second-order rate constants for each reaction. Thus, in addition to rapidly collecting high quality Mössbauer data, the synchrotron technique seems well suited for aqueous rate experiments as a result of the penetrating power of 14.4 keV X-rays and high sensitivity to Fe valence state.     

Structural constraints of ferric (hydr)oxides on dissimilatory iron reduction and the fate of Fe(II)

Due to the strong reducing capacity of ferrous Fe, the fate of Fe(II) following dissimilatory iron reduction will have a profound bearing on biogeochemical cycles. We have previously observed the rapid and near complete conversion of 2-line ferrihydrite to goethite (minor phase) and magnetite (major phase) under advective flow in an organic carbon-rich artificial groundwater medium. Yet, in many mineralogically mature environments, well-ordered iron (hydr)oxide phases dominate and may therefore control the extent and rate of Fe(III) reduction. Accordingly, here we compare the reducing capacity and Fe(II) sequestration mechanisms of goethite and hematite to 2-line ferrihydrite under advective flow within a medium mimicking that of natural groundwater supplemented with organic carbon. Introduction of dissolved organic carbon upon flow initiation results in the onset of dissimilatory iron reduction of all three Fe phases (2-line ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite). While the initial surface area normalized rates are similar (∼10⁻¹¹ mol Fe(II) m⁻² g⁻¹), the total amount of Fe(III) reduced over time along with the mechanisms and extent of Fe(II) sequestration differ among the three iron (hydr)oxide substrates. Following 16 d of reaction, the amount of Fe(III) reduced within the ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite columns is 25, 5, and 1%, respectively. While 83% of the Fe(II) produced in the ferrihydrite system is retained within the solid-phase, merely 17% is retained within both the goethite and hematite columns. Magnetite precipitation is responsible for the majority of Fe(II) sequestration within ferrihydrite, yet magnetite was not detected in either the goethite or hematite systems. Instead, Fe(II) may be sequestered as localized spinel-like (magnetite) domains within surface hydrated layers (ca. 1 nm thick) on goethite and hematite or by electron delocalization within the bulk phase. The decreased solubility of goethite and hematite relative to ferrihydrite, resulting in lower Fe(III)_aq and bacterially-generated Fe(II)_aq concentrations, may hinder magnetite precipitation beyond mere surface reorganization into nanometer-sized, spinel-like domains. Nevertheless, following an initial, more rapid reduction period, the three Fe (hydr)oxides support similar aqueous ferrous iron concentrations, bacterial populations, and microbial Fe(III) reduction rates. A decline in microbial reduction rates and further Fe(II) retention in the solid-phase correlates with the initial degree of phase disorder (high energy sites). As such, sustained microbial reduction of 2-line ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite appears to be controlled, in large part, by changes in surface reactivity (energy), which is influenced by microbial reduction and secondary Fe(II) sequestration processes regardless of structural order (crystallinity) and surface area.     

A Mössbauer spectroscopic study of the iron redox transition in eastern Mediterranean sediments

Fe cycling at two sites in the Mediterranean Sea (southwest of Rhodes and in the North Aegean) has been studied, combining the pore water determination of nutrients, manganese, and iron, citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite (CDB) and total sediment extractions, X-ray diffraction, and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MBS). At the Rhodes site, double peaks in the CDB-extractable Mn and Fe profiles indicate non-steady-state diagenesis. The crystalline iron oxide hematite, identified at both sites by room temperature (RT) MBS, appears to contribute little to the overall Fe reduction. MBS at liquid helium temperature (LHT) revealed that the reactive sedimentary Fe oxide phase was nanophase goethite, not ferrihydrite as is usually assumed. The pore water data at both sites indicates that upon reductive dissolution of nanophase goethite, the upward diffusing dissolved Fe²⁺ is oxidized by Mn oxides, rather than by nitrate or oxygen. The observed oxidation of Fe²⁺ by Mn oxides may be more common than previously thought but not obvious in sediments where the nitrate penetration depth coincides with the Mn oxide peak. At the Rhodes site, the solid-phase Fe(II) increase occurred at a shallower depth than the accumulation of dissolved Fe²⁺ in the pore water. The deeper relict Mn oxide peak acts as an oxidation barrier for the upward diffusing dissolved Fe²⁺, thereby keeping the pore water Fe²⁺ at depth. At the North Aegean site, the solid-phase Fe(II) increase occurs at approximately the same depth as the increase in dissolved Fe²⁺ in the pore water. Overall, the use of RT and cryogenic MBS provided insight into the solid-phase Fe(II) gradient and allowed identification of the sedimentary Fe oxides: hematite, maghemite, and nanophase goethite.     

塔里木盆地西北缘库孜贡苏剖面晚白垩世-早中新世沉积物岩石磁学研究

对塔里木盆地西北缘库孜贡苏剖面晚白垩世-早中新世沉积物进行了热退磁及岩石磁学研究,结果表明岩石热退磁及岩石磁学特征随沉积环境可分为三种类型:潮下、台地边缘浅滩相岩石主要磁性矿物为磁铁矿及少量针铁矿、磁赤铁矿,磁性矿物含量较少、颗粒较小（假单畴）,其天然剩磁强度较小,一般小于1×10-2 A/m,在250℃~500℃能获得稳定特征剩磁方向,特征剩磁由磁铁矿携带;潮间、潮上带岩石主要磁性矿物为磁铁矿,〖JP2〗并含有少量磁赤铁矿、赤铁矿、针铁矿,磁性矿物颗粒为假单畴和多畴,天然剩磁强度一般在1×10-2 ~1 A/m之间,在250℃~580℃能获得稳定特征剩磁方向,特征剩磁由磁铁矿携带;河湖相岩石主要磁性矿物为磁铁矿、赤铁矿,并含有少量磁赤铁矿、针铁矿,磁性矿物含量较多、颗粒较小（假单畴）,天然剩磁强度一般在1×10-1 A/m以上,多数样品特征剩磁由赤铁矿携带,少数由磁铁矿与赤铁矿共同携带。岩石磁学研究对于在沉积环境复杂剖面进行古地磁研究具有重要的意义。     

Multiproxy analysis of a new terrestrial and a marine Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary site from New Zealand

An integrated study of palynology, Mössbauer spectroscopy, mineralogy and osmium isotopes has led to the detection of the first K-Pg boundary clay layer in a Southern Hemisphere terrestrial setting. The K-Pg boundary layer was independently identified at centimetre resolution by all the above mentioned methods at the marine K-Pg boundary site of mid-Waipara and the terrestrial site of Compressor Creek (Greymouth coal field), New Zealand. Mössbauer spectroscopy shows an anomaly of Fe-containing particles in both K-Pg boundary sections: jarosite at mid-Waipara and goethite at Compressor Creek. This anomaly coincides with a turnover in vegetation indicated by an interval dominated by fern spores and extinction of key pollen species in both sections. In addition to the terrestrial floristic changes, the mid-Waipara section reveals a turnover in the dinoflagellate assemblages and the appearance of global earliest Danian index species. Geochemical data reveal relatively small iridium enrichments in the boundary layers of 321 pg/g at mid-Waipara and 176 pg/g at Compressor Creek. Unradiogenic ¹⁸⁷Os/¹⁸⁸Os values of the boundary clay reveal the presence of a significant extraterrestrial component. We interpret the accumulation of Fe nano-phases at the boundary as originating from both the impactor and the crystalline basement target rock. The goethite and jarosite are interpreted as secondary phases formed by weathering and diagenesis. The primary phases were probably controlled by the initial composition of the vapor plume and condensation kinetics rather than condensation thermodynamics. This investigation indicates that identification of Fe in nano-phases by Mössbauer spectroscopy is an accurate and cost-effective method for identifying impact event horizons and it efficiently complements widely used biostratigraphic and geochemical methods.     

Biogeochemical transformation of Fe minerals in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer

The Bemidji aquifer in Minnesota, USA is a well-studied site of subsurface petroleum contamination. The site contains an anoxic groundwater plume where soluble petroleum constituents serve as an energy source for a region of methanogenesis near the source and bacterial Fe(III) reduction further down gradient. Methanogenesis apparently begins when bioavailable Fe(III) is exhausted within the sediment. Past studies indicate that Geobacter species and Geothrix fermentens-like organisms are the primary dissimilatory Fe-reducing bacteria at this site. The Fe mineralogy of the pristine aquifer sediments and samples from the methanogenic (source) and Fe(III) reducing zones were characterized in this study to identify microbiologic changes to Fe valence and mineral distribution, and to identify whether new biogenic mineral phases had formed. Methods applied included X-ray diffraction; X-ray fluorescence (XRF); and chemical extraction; optical, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy; and Mössbauer spectroscopy.All of the sediments were low in total Fe content (≈ 1%) and exhibited complex Fe-mineralogy. The bulk pristine sediment and its sand, silt, and clay-sized fractions were studied in detail. The pristine sediments contained Fe(II) and Fe(III) mineral phases. Ferrous iron represented approximately 50% of Fe_TOT. The relative Fe(II) concentration increased in the sand fraction, and its primary mineralogic residence was clinochlore with minor concentrations found as a ferroan calcite grain cement in carbonate lithic fragments. Fe(III) existed in silicates (epidote, clinochlore, muscovite) and Fe(III) oxides of detrital and authigenic origin. The detrital Fe(III) oxides included hematite and goethite in the form of mm-sized nodular concretions and smaller-sized dispersed crystallites, and euhedral magnetite grains. Authigenic Fe(III) oxides increased in concentration with decreasing particle size through the silt and clay fraction. Chemical extraction and Mössbauer analysis indicated that this was a ferrihydrite like-phase. Quantitative mineralogic and Fe(II/III) ratio comparisons between the pristine and contaminated sediments were not possible because of textural differences. However, comparisons between the texturally-similar source (where bioavailable Fe(III) had been exhausted) and Fe(III) reducing zone sediments (where bioavailable Fe(III) remained) indicated that dispersed detrital, crystalline Fe(III) oxides and a portion of the authigenic, poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxide fraction had been depleted from the source zone sediment by microbiologic activity. Little or no effect of microbiologic activity was observed on silicate Fe(III). The presence of residual “ferrihydrite” in the most bioreduced, anoxic plume sediment (source) implied that a portion of the authigenic Fe(III) oxides were biologically inaccessible in weathered, lithic fragment interiors. Little evidence was found for the modern biogenesis of authigenic ferrous-containing mineral phases, perhaps with the exception of thin siderite or ferroan calcite surface precipitates on carbonate lithic fragments within source zone sediments.     

Effects of in situ biostimulation on iron mineral speciation in a sub-surface soil

The in situ alteration of Fe redox states in subsurface soils by bacteria, otherwise known as bioreduction, may play a key role in the immobilization of hazardous redox active metals such as U, Tc, and Cr. The objective of this study was to characterize changes in Fe mineralogy occurring in a subsurface soil as a result of biostimulation in order to evaluate the bioremediation potential of this approach. Biostimulation was achieved by injecting glucose into the soil through a small well next to a sampling well. Cores taken from the sampling well were analyzed by variable-temperature ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Results revealed that biostimulation resulted in an overall loss of Fe from the system and major changes in the distribution of its oxide and oxyhydroxide mineral forms. Compared to the non-biostimulated soil, the spectral components assigned to goethite were greatly diminished in intensity in the samples that had been biostimulated, whereas the hematite component was appreciably increased. The Fe(II):Fe(III) ratio in the non-oxide phase (aluminosilicate clay minerals) also increased, indicating that the bioreduction processes in the soil also affected the redox state of Fe in the constituent clay minerals.     

Equilibrium iron isotope fractionation factors of minerals: Reevaluation from the data of nuclear inelastic resonant X-ray scattering and Mössbauer spectroscopy

We have critically reevaluated equilibrium iron isotope fractionation factors for oxide and sulfide minerals using recently acquired data obtained by Mössbauer spectroscopy and inelastic nuclear resonant X-ray scattering (INRXS) synchrotron radiation. Good agreement was observed in the iron β-factors of metallic iron (α-Fe) and hematite calculated using both Mössbauer- and INRXS-derived data, which supports the validity and reliability of the calculations. Based on this excellent agreement, we suggest the use of the present data on the iron β-factors of hematite as a reference.The previous Mössbauer-derived iron β-factor for magnetite has been modified significantly based on the Fe-sublattice density of states obtained from the INRXS experiments. This resolves the disagreement between naturally observed iron isotope fractionation factors for mineral pairs involving magnetite and those obtained from the calculated β-factors. The correctness of iron β-factor for pyrite has been corroborated by the good agreement with experimental data of sulfur isotope geothermometers of pyrite-galena and pyrite-sphalerite. A good correlation between the potential energy of the cation site, the oxidation state of iron and the iron β-factor value has been established. Specifically, ferric compounds, which have a higher potential energy of iron than ferrous compounds, have higher β-factors. A similar dependence of β-factors on the oxidation state and potential energy could be extended to other transition metals. Extremely low values of INRXS-derived iron β-factors for troilite and Fe₃S significantly widen the range of iron β-factors for covalently bonded compounds.     

A detailed study of the transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite in an aqueous medium at 92°C

The transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite by ageing at 92°C in solution has been studied using computer-fitted ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra, together with X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns show hematite is first discernible after 10 minutes ageing and after 30 minutes the hematite peaks are sharp and definite. Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature shows it is discernible after 60 minutes ageing but can be detected at liquid nitrogen temperature by 30 minutes. With further ageing the ferrihydrite progressively transforms to hematite and at 116 hours hematite is the only component. The electron micrographs show the ferrihydrite particles of 3–5 nm diameter coalesce to form hexagonal hematite platelets, initially of some 20 nm diameter, which increase to 30–40 nm with ageing.The Mössbauer spectra show the broadened ferric doublet resonance of ferrihydrite and the six-line magnetic hyperfine hematite resonance. Two closely overlapping ferric doublets were computer-fitted to the ferrihydrite resonance, the widths and dips of the component peaks within each doublet being constrained initially to be equal. As these constraints were relaxed, the widths and dips became unequal. This effect is related to the progressive ordering of the ferrihydrite structure as it ages to produce a partially magnetically ordered hematite structure, with a reduced magnetic field at room temperature of initially 473 kOe, increasing to 499 kOe with time. These results suggest a direct transformation of ferrihydrite to hematite, initiated by the coalescing of the ferrihydrite particles.     

Formation mechanism of Gongchangling high-grade magnetite deposit hosted in Archean BIF,Anshan-Benxi area,Northeastern China

Banded iron-formations are main resources of global iron ore in which high-grade ore is mainly composed of martite–goethite and hematite. They are also the major resource of iron ore in China, mainly distributing in Liaoning and Hebei Province. In China, the iron ore with Fe greater than 50% is classified as high-grade iron ore. The high-grade iron ore mainly consists of magnetite and displays its unique characteristics. Gongchangling iron deposit is one typical BIF-iron deposit which contains 150 Mt of high-grade iron ore in China. The high-grade magnetite ore bodies mainly occur around magnetite quartzite, faults and the cores of folds and show positive relation to the development of the “altered rocks” in this deposit. This research shows that high-grade magnetite comes from magnetite quartzite and they are both formed, with little or no addition of aluminum-containing detrital material, by marine chemical deposition in reduced environment and they are closely related to seafloor hydrothermal activity.Muddy–silty rocks are original rocks of “altered rocks”, of which the primitive mantle normalized REE pattern, except Eu, is consistent with that of iron ore, reflecting that their formation is related to the formation of high-grade magnetite ore. Therefore, the formation mechanism of high-grade iron ore is proposed as following: the regional metamorphism provides storage space for the formation of high-grade magnetite ore and required temperature and pressure conditions for the mineral transformation; the regional metamorphic hydrothermal fluid leaches FeO out of magnetite quartzite when it passes by; and the FeO that leached out moves near faults or cores of folds together with the metamorphic hydrothermal fluid and aluminum-containing rocks, of which the original rocks are muddy–silty; in the formation of high-grade iron ore, aluminum-containing rock appears in the intervals of sedimentation of iron-containing rock series and consumes the silicon leached out of magnetite quartzite and forms garnet, chlorite, and biotite.     

Abiotic reduction of uranium by Fe(II) in soil

Structural Fe(II) has been shown to reduce several oxidized environmental contaminants, including NO₃, chlorinated solvents, Cr(VI), and U(VI). Studies investigating reduction of U(VI) by soils and sediments, however, suggest that abiotic reduction of U(VI) by Fe(II) is not significant, and that direct enzymatic reduction of U(VI) by metal-reducing bacteria is required for U(VI) immobilization as U(IV). Here evidence is presented for abiotic reduction and immobilization of U(VI) by structural Fe(II) in a redoximorphic soil collected from a hillside spring in Iowa. Oxidation of Fe(II) in the soil after reaction with U(VI) was demonstrated by Mössbauer spectroscopy and reduction of U(VI) by the pasteurized soil using U L_III-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). XAS indicates that both reduced U(IV) and oxidized U(VI) or U(V) are present after U(VI) interaction with the Fe(II) containing soil. The EXAFS data show the presence of a non-uraninite U(IV) phase and evidence of the oxidized U(V) or U(VI) fraction being present as a non-uranyl species. Little U(VI) reduction is observed by soil that has been exposed to air and oxidation of Fe(II) to goethite has occurred. Soil characterization based on chemical extractions, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Fe K-edge XAS indicate that the majority of Fe(II) in the soil is structural in nature, existing in clay minerals and possibly a green rust-like phase. These data provide compelling evidence for abiotic reduction of U(VI) by structural Fe(II) from soil near Fe-rich oxic–anoxic boundaries in natural environments. The work highlights the potential for abiotic reduction of U(VI) by Fe(II) in reduced, Fe-rich environments.     

Control of Fe(III) site occupancy on the rate and extent of microbial reduction of Fe(III) in nontronite

A quantitative study was performed to understand how Fe(III) site occupancy controls Fe(III) bioreduction in nontronite by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32. NAu-1 and NAu-2 were nontronites and contained Fe(III) in different structural sites with 16 and 23% total iron (w/w), respectively, with almost all iron as Fe(III). Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that Fe(III) was present in the octahedral site in NAu-1 (with a small amount of goethite), but in both the tetrahedral and the octahedral sites in NAu-2. Mössbauer data further showed that the octahedral Fe(III) in NAu-2 existed in at least two environments- trans (M1) and cis (M2) sites. The microbial Fe(III) reduction in NAu-1 and NAu-2 was studied in batch cultures at a nontronite concentration of 5 mg/mL in bicarbonate buffer with lactate as the electron donor. The unreduced and bioreduced nontronites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the presence of an electron shuttle, anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS), the extent of bioreduction was 11%-16% for NAu-1 but 28%-32% for NAu-2. The extent of reduction in the absence of AQDS was only 5%-7% for NAu-1 but 14%-18% for NAu-2. The control experiments with heat killed cells and without cells did not show any appreciable reduction (<2%). The extent of reduction in experiments performed with a dialysis membrane to separate cells from clays (without AQDS) was 2%-3% for NAu-1 but 5%-7% for NAu-2, suggesting that cells probably released an electron shuttling compound and/or Fe(III) chelator. The reduction rate was also faster in NAu-2 than that in NAu-1. Mössbauer data of the bioreduced nontronite materials indicated that the Fe(III) reduction in NAu-1 was mostly from the presence of goethite, whereas the reduction in NAu-2 was due to the presence of the tetrahedral and trans-octahedral Fe(III) in the structure. The measured aqueous Fe(II) was negligible. As a result of bioreduction, the average nontronite particle thickness remained nearly the same (from 2.1 to 2.5 nm) for NAu-1, but decreased significantly from 6 to 3.5 nm for NAu-2 with a concomitant change in crystal size distribution. The decrease in crystal size suggests reductive dissolution of nontronite NAu-2, which was supported by aqueous solution chemistry (i.e., aqueous Si). These data suggest that the more extensive Fe(III) bioreduction in NAu-2 was due to the presence of the tetrahedral and the trans-octahedral Fe(III), which was presumed to be more reducible. The biogenic Fe(II) was not associated with biogenic solids or in the aqueous solution. We infer that it may be either adsorbed onto surfaces of nontronite particles/bacteria or in the structure of nontronite. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that natural nontronite clays were capable of supporting cell growth even in medium without added nutrients, possibly due to presence of naturally existing nutrients in the nontronite clays. These results suggest that crystal chemical environment of Fe(III) is an important determinant in controlling the rate and extent of microbial reduction of Fe(III) in nontronite.     

Heterogeneous reduction of Tc(VII) by Fe(II) at the solid-water interface

Experiments were performed herein to investigate the rates and products of heterogeneous reduction of Tc(VII) by Fe(II) adsorbed to hematite and goethite, and by Fe(II) associated with a dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) reduced natural phyllosilicate mixture [structural, ion-exchangeable, and edge-complexed Fe(II)] containing vermiculite, illite, and muscovite. The heterogeneous reduction of Tc(VII) by Fe(II) adsorbed to the Fe(III) oxides increased with increasing pH and was coincident with a second event of adsorption. The reaction was almost instantaneous above pH 7. In contrast, the reduction rates of Tc(VII) by DCB-reduced phyllosilicates were not sensitive to pH or to added that adsorbed to the clay. The reduction kinetics were orders of magnitude slower than observed for the Fe(III) oxides, and appeared to be controlled by structural Fe(II). The following affinity series for heterogeneous Tc(VII) reduction by Fe(II) was suggested by the experimental results: aqueous Fe(II) ∼ adsorbed Fe(II) in phyllosilicates [ion-exchangeable and some edge-complexed Fe(II)] ? structural Fe(II) in phyllosilicates ? Fe(II) adsorbed on Fe(III) oxides. Tc-EXAFS spectroscopy revealed that the reduction products were virtually identical on hematite and goethite that were comprised primarily of sorbed octahedral TcO₂ monomers and dimers with significant Fe(III) in the second coordination shell. The nature of heterogeneous Fe(III) resulting from the redox reaction was ambiguous as probed by Tc-EXAFS spectroscopy, although Mössbauer spectroscopy applied to an experiment with ⁵⁶Fe-goethite with adsorbed ⁵⁷Fe(II) implied that redox product Fe(III) was goethite-like. The Tc(IV) reduction product formed on the DCB-reduced phyllosilicates was different from the Fe(III) oxides, and was more similar to Tc(IV) oxyhydroxide in its second coordination shell. The heterogeneous reduction of Tc(VII) to less soluble forms by Fe(III) oxide-adsorbed Fe(II) and structural Fe(II) in phyllosilicates may be an important geochemical process that will proceed at very different rates and that will yield different surface species depending on subsurface pH and mineralogy.     

Environmental monitoring of magnetic iron phases of urban water reservoir lake sediments (Taiaçupeba Lake,metropolitan region of São Paulo,Brazil) by using Mössbauer spectroscopy

In the present work, we investigate the iron oxides and oxyhydroxides behavior and evolution, related to the geochemical behavior of some metals, which could be retained as solid phases in the sediments from an urban water reservoir lake, placed in Taiaçupeba, Great São Paulo, Brazil. These tasks were performed by the establishment of a proceduring setting for environmental monitoring analysis through Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements associated to hysteresis loops measurements and chemical analysis [X-ray fluorescence (XRF)]. We inferred the possibility of goethite occurrence in broad particle size distribution (5–50 nm), and related to ferrihydrite, and small grain-size hematite (about 8 nm). The magnetometry results pointed to the paramagnetic/superparamagnetic behavior of the magnetic phases present in the samples and also suggested the occurrence of small grain-size magnetite. We also verified the presence of clay minerals related to Fe, as well as the occurrence of Fe³⁺ and/or Fe²⁺ in short-range structural order. Through a straight correlation among Mössbauer spectra data gained at T = 77 K and Al-metal, metal-Fe molar ratios, provided through XRF data, we found remarkable indications of interference on meta-stable phases evolution to its final products. Such results can be pointing for evidences about the possible isomorphic replacing and/or adsorption of Al and other metals in goethite and hematite.     

Quantitative mineralogical and chemical assessment of the Nkout iron ore deposit,Southern Cameroon

The Nkout deposit is part of an emerging iron ore province in West and Central Africa. The deposit is an oxide facies iron formation comprising fresh magnetite banded iron formation (BIF) at depth, which weathers and oxidises towards the surface forming caps of high grade hematite/martite–goethite ores. The mineral species, compositions, mineral associations, and liberation have been studied using automated mineralogy (QEMSCAN^®) combined with whole rock geochemistry, mineral chemistry and mineralogical techniques. Drill cores (saprolitic, lateritic, BIF), grab and outcrop samples were studied and divided into 4 main groups based on whole rock Fe content and a weathering index. The groups are; enriched material (EM), weathered magnetite itabirite (WMI), transitional magnetite itabirite (TMI) and magnetite itabirite (MI). The main iron minerals are the iron oxides (magnetite, hematite, and goethite) and chamosite. The iron oxides are closely associated in the high grade cap and liberation of them individually is poor. Liberation increases when they are grouped together as iron oxides. Chamosite significantly lowers the liberation of the iron oxides. Automated mineralogy by QEMSCAN^® (or other similar techniques) can distinguish between Fe oxides if set up and calibrated carefully using the backscattered electron signal. Electron beam techniques have the advantage over other quantitative mineralogy techniques of being able to determine mineral chemical variants of ore and gangue minerals, although reflected light optical microscopy remains the most sensitive method of distinguishing closely related iron oxide minerals. Both optical and electron beam automated mineralogical methods have distinct advantages over quantitative XRD in that they can determine mineral associations, liberation, amorphous phases and trace phases.     

氧化铁矿物催化分解苯酚的动力学速率及其产物特征

本文研究了针铁矿、纤铁矿、赤铁矿和磁铁矿在过氧化氢参与下催化分解苯酚的动力学速率与溶液pH值的关系,并用紫外吸收谱测定了反应产物的谱学特征。结果表明,纤铁矿反应体系催化分解苯酚的速率常数(k)最大,其余依次为磁铁矿、针铁矿和赤铁矿。在纤铁矿反应体系中又以pH=3.8时反应速率常数最大。除赤铁矿反应体系外,当溶液pH=3~4时苯酚被完全分解,并有50%~65%的有机碳(TOC)被矿化。在pH=3.25的赤铁矿反应体系中,苯酚大多仅被转化为多酚,小部分苯环被打开形成己烯酸。当溶液pH=4~5时,苯酚一般仅被转化为多酚类化合物,但TOC基本不变。当溶液pH>5时,苯酚没有发生明显的转化和矿化现象。     

Secondary mineralization pathways induced by dissimilatory iron reduction of ferrihydrite under advective flow

Iron (hydr)oxides not only serve as potent sorbents and repositories for nutrients and contaminants but also provide a terminal electron acceptor for microbial respiration. The microbial reduction of Fe (hydr)oxides and the subsequent secondary solid-phase transformations will, therefore, have a profound influence on the biogeochemical cycling of Fe as well as associated metals. Here we elucidate the pathways and mechanisms of secondary mineralization during dissimilatory iron reduction by a common iron-reducing bacterium, Shewanella putrefaciens (strain CN32), of 2-line ferrihydrite under advective flow conditions. Secondary mineralization of ferrihydrite occurs via a coupled, biotic-abiotic pathway primarily resulting in the production of magnetite and goethite with minor amounts of green rust. Operating mineralization pathways are driven by competing abiotic reactions of bacterially generated ferrous iron with the ferrihydrite surface. Subsequent to the initial sorption of ferrous iron on ferrihydrite, goethite (via dissolution/reprecipitation) and/or magnetite (via solid-state conversion) precipitation ensues resulting in the spatial coupling of both goethite and magnetite with the ferrihydrite surface. The distribution of goethite and magnetite within the column is dictated, in large part, by flow-induced ferrous Fe profiles. While goethite precipitation occurs over a large Fe(II) concentration range, magnetite accumulation is only observed at concentrations exceeding 0.3 mmol/L (equivalent to 0.5 mmol Fe[II]/g ferrihydrite) following 16 d of reaction. Consequently, transport-regulated ferrous Fe profiles result in a progression of magnetite levels downgradient within the column. Declining microbial reduction over time results in lower Fe(II) concentrations and a subsequent shift in magnetite precipitation mechanisms from nucleation to crystal growth. While the initial precipitation rate of goethite exceeds that of magnetite, continued growth is inhibited by magnetite formation, potentially a result of lower Fe(III) activity. Conversely, the presence of lower initial Fe(II) concentrations followed by higher concentrations promotes goethite accumulation and inhibits magnetite precipitation even when Fe(II) concentrations later increase, thus revealing the importance of both the rate of Fe(II) generation and flow-induced Fe(II) profiles. As such, the operating secondary mineralization pathways following reductive dissolution of ferrihydrite at a given pH are governed principally by flow-regulated Fe(II) concentration, which drives mineral precipitation kinetics and selection of competing mineral pathways.     

Electron transfer at the mineral/water interface: Selenium reduction by ferrous iron sorbed on clay

The mobility and availability of the toxic metalloid selenium in the environment are largely controlled by sorption and redox reactions, which may proceed at temporal scales similar to that of subsurface water movement under saturated or unsaturated conditions. Since such waters are often anaerobic and rich in Fe²⁺, we investigated the long-term (?1 month) kinetics of selenite sorption to montmorillonite in the presence of Fe²⁺ under anoxic conditions. A synthetic montmorillonite was used to eliminate the influence of structural Fe. In the absence of aqueous Fe²⁺, selenite was sorbed as outer-sphere sorption complex, covering only part of the positive edge sites, as verified by a structure-based MUSIC model and Se K-edge XAS (X-ray absorption spectroscopy). When selenite was added to montmorillonite previously equilibrated with Fe²⁺ solution however, slow reduction of Se and formation of a solid phase was observed with Se K-edge XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy) and EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine-structure) spectroscopy. Iterative transformation factor analysis of XANES and EXAFS spectra suggested that only one Se reaction product formed, which was identified as nano-particulate Se(0). Even after one month, only 75% of the initially sorbed Se(IV) was reduced to this solid species. Mössbauer spectrometry revealed that before and after addition and reduction of Se, 5% of total sorbed Fe occurred as Fe(III) species on edge sites of montmorillonite (≈2 mmol kg⁻¹). The only change observed after addition of Se was the formation of a new Fe(II) species (15%) attributed to the formation of an outer-sphere Fe(II)-Se sorption complex. The combined Mössbauer and XAS results hence clearly suggest that the Se and Fe redox reactions are not directly coupled. Based on the results of a companion paper, we hypothesize that the electrons produced in the absence of Se by oxidation of sorbed Fe(II) are stored, for example by formation of surface H₂ species, and are then available for the later Se(IV) reduction. The slow reaction rate indicates a diffusion controlled process. Homogeneous precipitation of an iron selenite was thermodynamically predicted and experimentally observed only in the absence of clay. Interestingly, half of Fe was oxidized in this precipitate (Mössbauer). Since DFT calculations predicted the oxidation of Fe at the water-FeSe solid interface only and not in the bulk phase, we derived an average particle size of this precipitate which does not exceed 2 nm. A comparison with the Mössbauer and XAS spectra of the clay samples demonstrates that such homogenous precipitation can be excluded as a mechanism for the observed slow Se reduction, emphasizing the role of abiotic, heterogeneous precipitation and reduction for the removal of Se from subsurface waters.     

BIF-hosted iron mineral system: A review

The BIF-hosted iron ore system represents the world's largest and highest grade iron ore districts and deposits. BIF, the precursor to low- and high-grade BIF hosted iron ore, consists of Archean and Paleoproterozoic Algoma-type BIF (e.g., Serra Norte iron ore district in the Carajás Mineral Province), Proterozoic Lake Superior-type BIF (e.g., deposits in the Hamersley Province and craton), and Neoproterozoic Rapitan-type BIF (e.g., the Urucum iron ore district).The BIF-hosted iron ore system is structurally controlled, mostly via km-scale normal and strike-slips fault systems, which allow large volumes of ascending and descending hydrothermal fluids to circulate during Archean or Proterozoic deformation or early extensional events. Structures are also (passively) accessed via downward flowing supergene fluids during Cenozoic times.At the depositional site the transformation of BIF to low- and high-grade iron ore is controlled by: (1) structural permeability, (2) hypogene alteration caused by ascending deep fluids (largely magmatic or basinal brines), and descending ancient meteoric water, and (3) supergene enrichment via weathering processes. Hematite- and magnetite-based iron ores include a combination of microplaty hematite–martite, microplaty hematite with little or no goethite, martite–goethite, granoblastic hematite, specular hematite and magnetite, magnetite–martite, magnetite-specular hematite and magnetite–amphibole, respectively. Goethite ores with variable amounts of hematite and magnetite are mainly encountered in the weathering zone.In most large deposits, three major hypogene and one supergene ore stages are observed: (1) silica leaching and formation of magnetite and locally carbonate, (2) oxidation of magnetite to hematite (martitisation), further dissolution of quartz and formation of carbonate, (3) further martitisation, replacement of Fe silicates by hematite, new microplaty hematite and specular hematite formation and dissolution of carbonates, and (4) replacement of magnetite and any remaining carbonate by goethite and magnetite and formation of fibrous quartz and clay minerals.Hypogene alteration of BIF and surrounding country rocks is characterised by: (1) changes in the oxide mineralogy and textures, (2) development of distinct vertical and lateral distal, intermediate and proximal alteration zones defined by distinct oxide–silicate–carbonate assemblages, and (3) mass negative reactions such as de-silicification and de-carbonatisation, which significantly increase the porosity of high-grade iron ore, or lead to volume reduction by textural collapse or layer-compaction. Supergene alteration, up to depths of 200 m, is characterised by leaching of hypogene silica and carbonates, and dissolution precipitation of the iron oxyhydroxides.Carbonates in ore stages 2 and 3 are sourced from external fluids with respect to BIF. In the case of basin-related deposits, carbon is interpreted to be derived from deposits underlying carbonate sequences, whereas in the case of greenstone belt deposits carbonate is interpreted to be of magmatic origin. There is only limited mass balance analyses conducted, but those provide evidence for variable mobilization of Fe and depletion of SiO₂. In the high-grade ore zone a volume reduction of up to 25% is observed.Mass balance calculations for proximal alteration zones in mafic wall rocks relative to least altered examples at Beebyn display enrichment in LOI, F, MgO, Ni, Fe₂O_3total, C, Zn, Cr and P₂O₅ and depletions of CaO, S, K₂O, Rb, Ba, Sr and Na₂O. The Y/Ho and Sm/Yb ratios of mineralised BIF at Windarling and Koolyanobbing reflect distinct carbonate generations derived from substantial fluid–rock reactions between hydrothermal fluids and igneous country rocks, and a chemical carbonate-inheritance preserved in supergene goethite.Hypogene and supergene fluids are paramount for the formation of high-grade BIF-hosted iron ore because of the enormous amount of: (1) warm (100–200 °C) silica-undersaturated alkaline fluids necessary to dissolve quartz in BIF, (2) oxidized fluids that cause the oxidation of magnetite to hematite, (3) weakly acid (with moderate CO₂ content) to alkaline fluids that are necessary to form widespread metasomatic carbonate, (4) carbonate-undersaturated fluids that dissolve the diagenetic and metasomatic carbonates, and (5) oxidized fluids to form hematite species in the hypogene- and supergene-enriched zone and hydroxides in the supergene zone.Four discrete end-member models for Archean and Proterozoic hypogene and supergene-only BIF hosted iron ore are proposed: (1) granite–greenstone belt hosted, strike-slip fault zone controlled Carajás-type model, sourced by early magmatic (± metamorphic) fluids and ancient “warm” meteoric water; (2) sedimentary basin, normal fault zone controlled Hamersley-type model, sourced by early basinal (± evaporitic) brines and ancient “warm” meteoric water. A variation of the latter is the metamorphosed basin model, where BIF (ore) is significantly metamorphosed and deformed during distinct orogenic events (e.g., deposits in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero and Simandou Range). It is during the orogenic event that the upgrade of BIF to medium- and high-grade hypogene iron took place; (3) sedimentary basin hosted, early graben structure controlled Urucum-type model, where glaciomarine BIF and subsequent diagenesis to very low-grade metamorphism is responsible for variable gangue leaching and hematite mineralisation. All of these hypogene iron ore models do not preclude a stage of supergene modification, including iron hydroxide mineralisation, phosphorous, and additional gangue leaching during substantial weathering in ancient or Recent times; and (4) supergene enriched BIF Capanema-type model, which comprises goethitic iron ore deposits with no evidence for deep hypogene roots. A variation of this model is ancient supergene iron ores of the Sishen-type, where blocks of BIF slumped into underlying karstic carbonate units and subsequently experienced Fe upgrade during deep lateritic weathering.