• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.477-490
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• 2003

Bottom sediments from Youngil Bay, East Coast of Korea, were analyzed for grain composition as well as elemental compositions and total organic carbon (TOC) content in order to investigate the spatial variability and content of metal elements. Grain size distribution of the sediments seems to be controlled by anticlockwise current pattern with bottom topography of the study area. Spatial variability of TOC and all elemental contents reflects those of grain size, but an exception was found in the harbor area (Old-Port): their contents are high in the central part of the bay with the muddy sediment and decrease toward the sand-dominated coastal zone. However, contents of Ca, Sr, K are high in the sand-dominated coastal zone and contents of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn) are high in the Old-Port area and the mouth of Hyeongsan River. The correlation matrix and R-mode factor analyses reveal that four important factors controlling the distribution of metals in the bay are sediment grain size (or quartz dilution effect), the formation of sulfide minerals associated with decomposition of organic matters under anoxic geochemical environment, calcium carbonate (mainly shell fragments) and coarse-grained feldspar mineral. According to the metal content of labile fraction an CER (concentration enrichment ratio) value, high accumulation of some heavy metals in the harbor area seems to result not formed by early diagenetic processes under anoxic environment.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.1 s.182
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• pp.29-45
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• 2007

Biogeochemical characteristics involving redox processes in groundwater from a riverine alluvial aquifer was investigated using multi-level monitoring wells (up to 30m in depth). Anaerobic conditions were predominant and high Fe ($14{\sim}37mg/L$) and Mn ($1{\sim}4mg/L$) concentrations were observed at 10 to 20 m in depth. Below 20 m depth, dissolved sulfide was detected. Presumably, these high Fe and Mn concentrations were derived from the reduction of Fe- and Mn-oxides because dissolved oxygen and nitrate were nearly absent and Fe and Mn contents were considerable in the sediments. The depth range of high Mn concentration is wider than that of high Fe concentration. Dissolved organics may be derived from the upper layers. Sulfate reduction is more active than Fe and Mn reduction below 20 m in depth. Disparity of calculated redox potential from the various redox couples indicates that redox states are in disequilibrium condition in groundwater. Carbonate minerals such as siderite and rhodochrosite may control the dissolved concentrations of Fe(II) and Mn(II), and iron sulfide minerals control for Fe(II) where sulfide is detected because these minerals are near saturation from the calculation of solubility equilibria.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.47-57
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• 1969

The Yeonhwa Lead and Zinc Mine is located in northern part of Kyeongsang-Buk-Do, Korea, and is economically most important mine because it produces most part of the output of lead and zinc minerals in the country. Ore deposits of the mine are localized in the Pungchon Formation and several limestone seams of upper Myobong Formation in Cambrian Age. Ore solution ascended along the fractures of N-S, NE-SW or NW-SE trends and along slate and limestone boundary, and then replaced selectively limestone to make ore bodies. Skarn minerals are consisted of hedenbergite, diopside, and main sulfide mineral orebodies are composed of galena, zincblende, pyrrhotite, pyrite and a minor amounts of arsenopyrite and chalcopyrite. Metal ratio, ${\rho}_{Pb}={\frac{Pb(%)}{Pb(%)+Zn(%)}}{\times}100$, illustrates the zona I arrangements of some ore bodies. It will be inferred the flow trending of ore solution and the process reaction with adjacent country rocks. The sub-divided formations of the Pungchon limestone and Myobong slate are very useful as a criteria for detecting probable ore location. Rhodochrosite veins are good evidence for searching of ore location, especially on Pb-rich ore bodies.

• Proceedings of the KSEEG Conference
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• 2003.04a
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• pp.236-236
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• 2003

Anaerobic Fe(III)-reducing bacteria are known to be able to reduce crystalline and amorphous Fe(III) oxides. Anaerobic Fe(III)-reducing bacterial reduction can induce several kinds of secondary minerals (Fe(II) containing minerals) such as magnetite, siderite, vivianite [($Fe_{3}(PO_{4}{\cdot}2H_{2}O$], and iron sulfide (FeS) according to variety of geochemical and biological conditions. (omitted)

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 1990

A couple of Au-Ag-bearing epithermal quartz veins of Cretaceous(87.9Ma) in age are developed in the Cretaceous(112Ma) granodiorite batholith which was emplaced in Mesozoic Baegyari sedimentary formation. Au minerals consist mostly of electrum with a 54.2-61.9 wt% Au and are closely associated with sulfide minerals including pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, galena and sphalerite. Homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in quartz, fluorite and calcite are $196-368^{\circ}C$ (avg. $240^{\circ}C$), $74-176^{\circ}C$ (avg. $115^{\circ}C$) and $75-200^{\circ}C$ (avg. $119^{\circ}C$) respectively. Sulfur isotopic compositions( +5- +8‰) of ore sulfides indicate a deep-seated sulfur origin. Oxygen isotope compositions of different stages of quartz vary from +5.6 to +9.3‰ and calculated ${\delta}^{18}O$ values of ore fluid at $250^{\circ}C$ range from -3.2 to +0.4‰, reflecting an isotopically evolved ore fluid mixed with a $^{18}O$ depleted meteoric water under the variable mixing ratios between hydrothermal and meteoric waters. Isotopic data of calcite minerals support the above conclusions.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.411-417
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• 1999

The interfacial chemical behavior, lattice exchange and dissolution, of $FeS_{(S)}$ as one of the important sulfide minerals was studied. Emphases were made on the surface characterization of hydrous $FeS_{(S)}$, the lattice exchange of Cu(II) and $FeS_{(S)}$, and its effect on the dissolution of $FeS_{(S)}$, and also affect some organic ligands on that of both Cu(II) and $FeS_{(S)}$. Cu(II) which has lower sulfide solubility in water than $FeS_{(S)}$ undergoes the lattice exchange reaction when Cu(II) ion contacts $FeS_{(S)}$ in the aqueous phase. For heavy metals which have higher sulfide solubilities in water than $FeS_{(S)}$, these metal ions were adsorbed on the surface of $FeS_{(S)}$. Such a reaction was interpreted by the solid solution formation theory. Phthalic acid(a weak chelate agent) and EDTA(a strong chelate agent) were used to demonstrate the effect of organic lignads on the lattice exchange reaction between Cu(II) and $FeS_{(S)}$. The $pH_{zpc}$ of $FeS_{(S)}$ is 7 and the effect of ionic strength is not showed. It can be expected that phthalic acid has little effect on the lattice exchange reaction between Cu(II) and $FeS_{(S)}$. whereas EDTA has very decreased the removal of Cu(II) and $FeS_{(S)}$. This study shows that stability of sulfide sediments was predicted by its solubility. The pH control of the alkaline-neutralization process to treat heavy metal in wastewater treatment process did not needed. Thereby, it was regarded as an optimal process which could apply to examine a long term stability of marshland closely in the treatment of heavy metal in wastewater released from a disussed mine.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.199-222
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• 1970

One of the biggest sulfide metallic (Cu, Pb, Zn) ore deposits of South Korea is located in the area of Seo-myeon, Shiheung-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Geology of the region is mostly composed of metasediments of biotite schist, graphite schist, injection gneiss, sericite schist, limesilicate and quartzite from bottom, those are applicable to so-called Yeoncheon System of Pre-Cambrian, and granodiorite, quartz porphyry, basic dykes are outcroped in a small scope as intrusives. The origin of the ore deposit is pyrometasomatic contact deposits due to hydrothermal replacement and the ore bodies are imbedded in lower bed of limesilicate formation as impregnation and ore minerals are galena, sphalerite, marmatite, chalcopyrite, bornite, chalcocite, covellite, and the later two minerals are both hypogene and supergene. Gangue minerals are mostly skarn minerals those hornblende, diopside, epidote, hedenbergite, chlorite, garnet and quartz except primary calcite and quartz. Boundary plane (NS strike) between schists and limesilicate seemed to be primary opening of ore solution and fractures bearing $N50^{\circ}{\sim}80^{\circ}W$ are secondary structural control for localization of ore minerals and the third structural controls are both irregular gashes and schistosity in small scale. Photogeological study was carried with vertical aerial photo scaled 1: 38,000 and enlarged 1 : 10,000 under stereoscope. The study on the area convinced the fact that the geologic boundaries between rocks, limesilicates and quartzites, are traced easily by their typical topographic feature and drainage, and the main fracture patterns which derived from the result of fracture traces, that photogeologic lineament observed under stereoscope, are those bearing (1) $N20^{\circ}W$, (2) $N58^{\circ}W$, (3) $N76^{\circ}W$, (4) EW, (5) $N20^{\circ}W$, (6) $N62^{\circ}W$, (7) $N77^{\circ}W$. Among the written fractures, (5) (not schistosity, in case of fault) (6) (7) are post-mineral faults and others are pre-mineral faults and others are pre-mineral structures, and (2) (3) (6) (7) are coincided with statistical figure of 208 fractures surveyed in underground. By the result of the study, mineralized zone, are presumed to extend north and southward, total length about 4km.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.421-433
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• 2023

The final disposal of spent nuclear fuel(SNF) from nuclear power plants takes place in a deep geological repository. The metal canister encasing the SNF is made of cast iron and copper, and is engineered to effectively isolate radioactive isotopes for a long period of time. The SNF is further shielded by a multi-barrier disposal system comprising both engineering and natural barriers. The deep disposal environment gradually changes to an anaerobic reducing environment. In this environment, sulfide is one of the most probable substances to induce corrosion of copper canister. Stress-corrosion cracking(SCC) triggered by sulfide can carry substantial implications for the integrity of the copper canister, potentially posing a significant threat to the long-term safety of the deep disposal repository. Sulfate can exist in various forms within the deep disposal environment or be introduced from the geosphere. Sulfate has the potential to be transformed into sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria(SRB), and this converted sulfide can contribute to the corrosion of the copper canister. Bentonite, which is considered as a potential material for buffering and backfilling, contains oxidized sulfate minerals such as gypsum(CaSO4). If there is sufficient space for microorganisms to thrive in the deep disposal environment and if electron donors such as organic carbon are adequately supplied, sulfate can be converted to sulfide through microbial activity. However, the majority of the sulfides generated in the deep disposal system or introduced from the geosphere will be intercepted by the buffer, with only a small amount reaching the metal canister. Pyrite, one of the potential sulfide minerals present in the deep disposal environment, can generate sulfates during the dissolution process, thereby contributing to the corrosion of the copper canister. However, the quantity of oxidation byproducts from pyrite is anticipated to be minimal due to its extremely low solubility. Moreover, the migration of these oxidized byproducts to the metal canister will be restricted by the low hydraulic conductivity of saturated bentonite. We have comprehensively analyzed and summarized key research cases related to the presence of sulfates, reduction processes, and the formation and behavior characteristics of sulfides and pyrite in the deep disposal environment. Our objective was to gain an understanding of the impact of sulfates and sulfides on the long-term safety of high-level radioactive waste disposal repository.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.85-94
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• 2002

XRF, XRD, EPMA have been used to investigate microstructures and mineralogical changes caused by the faulting and fluids associated with faulting in the Quaternary fault gouge zones at the Sangchon, Ipsil and Wangsan faults located at the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. The chemical compositions of faulted rocks and protoliths analyzed by XRF show that the fault gouges are relatively enriched in TiO$_2$, P$_2$O$_{5}$, MgO, and Fe$_2$O$_3$) compared with protoliths, indicating that the fluids associated with faulting were highly activated. XRD results show that the fault gouges predominantly consist of quartz, feldspar, calcite and clay minerals. Clay minerals formed in the gouge zones are mainly composed of smectite characterized by a dioctahedral sheet. Based on EPMA analyses various kinds of sulfide, carbonate, phosphate minerals were identified in the gouge zones and protoliths. Xenotime of grey fault gouge of the Sangchon fault and sulfide minerals of contact andesitic rock of Ipsil fault and contact grey andesitic rock of Wangsan fault were probably formed by inflow of hydrothermal solution associated with faulting prior to the Quaternary. Carbonate minerals of contact andesitic rock and gouge zone of the Ipsil fault were formed by inflow of fluid associated with faulting prior to the Quaternary. They are heavily fractured and have reaction rim on their edge, indicating that faultings and inflow of fluids were highly activated after carbonate minerals were formed. Calcites of Wangsan fault seemed to be formed in syntectonic or posttectonic Quaternary faulting.g.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.283-296
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• 1992

The Keumryeong deposits is a low grade copper deposits in which copper minerals form disseminated grains and thin veinlets in felsic volcanics seem to be dacite. Alteration of the volcanics consists mainly pervasive propylitization and silicification. Potassic alteration characterized by biotite developed locally adjacent to southwestern contact of granodiorite body. Principal sulfide minerals in altered zone are mainly pyrite and lesser chalcopyrite. Chalcopyrite content in potassic zone is relatively higher than that of surrounding propylitized zone. Pyrite and chalcopyrite accompanies magnetite, molybdenite, sphalerite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, pentlandite, marcasite, hematite, ilmenite, rutile, bismuthinite and native Bi as disseminations, veinlets and knots. Granodiorite body is propylitized and contains veinlets of pyrite, chalcopyrite and molybdenite. Fluid inclusions in sulfide-bearing quartz veinlets and quartz grains of felsic volcanics and granodiorite in altered zone consist of liquid-rich, vapor-rich, $CO_2-bearing$ and halite-bearing inclusions. These four types of inclusion intimately associated on a microscopic scale and indicate condensing or boiling of ore fluid during mineralization. Homogenization temperature of coexisting fluid inclusions are mostly in the range of 350 to $450^{\circ}C$. High salinity fluid contains 28.6 to 48.4 weight percent NaCI equivalent and moderate salinity fluid cotains 0.5 to 12.5 weight percent NaCl equivalent. Pressure estimated from $CO_2$ mole fraction of $CO_2-bearing$ inclusion range 160 to 375 bars. The Kigu copper deposits is a fissure filling copper vein developed 500 m south from the Keumryong deposits. Mineralogy and fluid inclusion data of the Kigu deposits are similar to that of the Keumryeong deposits. Homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions from the Kigu deposits are reasonable agreement with temperature estimated from sulfidation curve of cubanite-chalcopyrite-pyrite-pyrrhotite and pyrite-pyrrhotite mineral assemblages. Not only mineral occurrence and wall rock alteration in the Keumryeong deposits but also fluid inclusion data such as temperature, salinity, pressure and boiling evidences are similar to those of porphyry copper deposits.