THE INTERACTION OF IRON(III) SPECIES WITH GALENA SURFACES

EDTA extraction studies, coupled with XPS surface analysis and solutio n speciation calculations have been employed to characterise iron(III) -treated galena surfaces. The nature and surface concentration of the adsorbed iron(III) species are strongly pH dependent and the mechanism s for the interaction are controlled by the surface chemistry of galen a as well as by the iron(III) speciation. The surface groups of galena , which are controlled by the extent of oxidation and the pH, have an important role in determining the interaction phenomena.