OXIDISABILITY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SULFUR UNDER DIFFERENT CATALYTIC CONDITIONS

The oxidation of elemental sulphur in the catalytic presence of select ed metal ions [Cr(III), Ce(III), Cu(II), Hg(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Mo(VI ), Cd(II), Zn(II), Ti(IV), and V(V)], and hydrocarbons (benzene, gasol ine, and kerosene) was studied in an alkaline medium buffered by marbl e powder. The catalytic efficiencies of metal ions were: Cr(III) > Ce( III) > Cu(II) > Hg(II > Ni(II). The oxidation process was inhibited in the presence of other ions, and the inhibitive effect was in the foll owing order: Co(II) < Mo(VI) < Cd(II) < Zn(II) < Ti(IV) < V(V). In the case of hydrocarbons, the efficiencies were as follows: gasoline > be nzene > kerosene. The oxidation of sulphur in sulphur-loaded soils obt ained from near a textile mill and a distillery were also carried out in the c both cases was significantly enhanced.