Iron monosulfide formation and oxidation in drain-bottom sediments of an acid sulfate soil environment

Iron monosulfide formation and oxidation processes were studied in the extensively drained acid sulfate soil environment of the Tweed River floodplain in eastern Australia. Porewater profiles of pH, Eh, SO42−, Fe2+, Fe3+, Cl−, HCO3−, and metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were obtained using in situ dialysis membrane samplers (‘peepersʹ). Concentrations of acid volatile S (AVS), pyrite, total S, reactive Fe, total and organic C, simultaneously extracted metals (SEMs) and total elemental composition by X-ray fluorescence, were determined on sediment samples. The oxidation of pyrite in the surrounding landscape provides a source of acidity, Fe, Al, SO4 and metals, which are exported into the drainage system where they accumulate in the sediments and porewaters. Negative porewater concentration gradients of SO42− and Fe2+, and large AVS concentrations in the sediments, indicate Fe monosulfides form rapidly under reducing conditions and consume acidity and metals. Oxidation of the sediments during previous drought episodes has resulted in the conversion of monosulfides and pyrite to oxidised Fe minerals and the release of acidity, SO42−, Fe3+, and metals to the surface waters. These formation and oxidation cycles show that Fe monosulfides play an important role in controlling water quality in the drainage system.