Laboratory Study for Phosphate Coating on Pyrite Surface for Reduction of Acid Rock Drainage

건설현장의 산성암반배수 발생저감을 위한 철인산염 피막형성 최적조건 도출 실내연구

Acid drainage occurs when sulfide minerals are exposed to an oxidizing environment. The objective of this study was to examine the optimum condition for creating a phosphate coating on standard pyrite surfaces for reduction of pyrite oxidation. The solution of $10^{-2}M\;KH_2PO_4\;10^{-2}M\;H_2O_2$ pH 6 was identified as the best phosphate coating agent for the reduction of pyrite oxidation. The formation of an iron phosphate coating on pyrite surfaces was confirmed with ore microscope and scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The temperature did not significantly affect on the formation of phosphate coating on the surface of pyrite. However, the phosphate coating was less stable at higher temperature than at lower temperature. The phosphate coating was quitely stable at wide range of pH and $H_2O_2$ concentration. The less than 3.4% of phosphate was dissolved at pH 2.79 and 10.64 and less than 1.0% of phosphate was dissolved at 0.1M $H_2O_2$. On the basis of these results, the phosphate coating can effectively reduce the negative environmental of acid rock drainage.