X-ray absorption and micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy investigation of copper and zinc speciation in biosolids
Date
2011
Authors
Donner, Erica
Howard, Daryl
de Jonge, Martin
Paterson, David
Cheah, Michael
Naidu, Ravi
Lombi, Enzo
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Publisher
American Chemical Society
Abstract
Despite its pivotal role in determining the risks and time frames associated with contaminant release, metal speciation remains a poorly understood aspect of biosolids chemistry. The work reported here used synchrotron-based spectroscopy techniques to investigate the speciation of copper and zinc in a range of Australian biosolids. High resolution element mapping of biosolids samples using micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy revealed considerable heterogeneity in key element associations, and a combination of both organic and inorganic copper and zinc binding environments. Linear combination fitting of K-edge X-ray absorption spectra indicated consistent differences in metal speciation between freshly produced and stockpiled biosolids. While sulfide minerals play a dominant role in metal binding in freshly dewatered biosolids, they are of lesser importance in dried biosolids that have been stockpiled. A degree of metal binding with iron oxide minerals was apparent but the results did not support the hypothesis that biosolids metals are chiefly associated with iron minerals. This work has potential implications for the long-term stability of metals in biosolids and their eventual fate following land application.
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Keywords
Keywords: Contaminant release; Copper and zinc; Element mapping; High resolution; Iron minerals; Key elements; Land applications; Linear combinations; Long term stability; Metal binding; Metal speciation; Micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy; Time frame; X-ray abs
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Source
Environmental Science and Technology
Type
Journal article
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2037-12-31
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