XPS and XAS study of the sorption of Hg(II) onto pyrite

Sorption of mercury(II) onto well-characterized samples of pyrite was studi ed between DH 2 and 12 using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for surface a nalysis and extended X-ray absorption fine structure fur surface speciation . In the presence of Hg, the surface oxidation of pyrite was strongly decre ased. Even if the sorption capacity of pyrite for Hg was high, the sorption reversibility was possible by adding some strong ligands, such as I-, S2O3 2-, and CN-, to the aqueous phase. Spectroscopic studies showed the absence of Hg(0) and S(-II) and evidenced the formation of a surface complex betwe en S(-I) and Hg(II). At low pH, ternary surface complexes =S-1-Hg-OH or =S- 1-Hg-Cl were formed with tile following distances: R=S-Hg = 2.40 Angstrom, RHg-OH = 2.25 Angstrom, and RHg-Cl = 2.33 Angstrom if Cl- was present. At h igh pH, the spectroscopic signals of Hg, S, or Fe decreased, possibly becau se of the presence at the surface of a solid solution constituted of Fe (hy dr)oxides and surface complexes between Hg and both oxides and pyritic sulf ur.