Abstract
The in situ rate of pyrite oxidation was estimated at a proposed dam site by measurements of the amount of SO 4 2− discharged from the site to evaluate the impact of the dam on the surrounding environment. The SO 4 2− concentrations and flows of streams were simultaneously measured. The results showed that the SO 4 2− concentration depended on the sampling location, and that the tributaries with high SO 4 2− concentration corresponded to the distribution of pyrite-bearing rocks. The total amount of SO 4 2− discharged at the site was calculated at approximately 7.5 Mg/km 2/year, based on an integral of the product of the SO 4 2− concentration and stream flow with respect to time. The origins of the discharged SO 4 2− could be divided into two categories: 60% from pyrite-bearing rocks and 40% from wet deposits at the site. Therefore, the rate of the pyrite oxidation at the site was calculated to be approximately 2.8 Mg/km 2/year. The total amounts of SO 4 2− discharged from the acid water-producing areas located upstream and downstream of the site were calculated as 13–27 Mg/km 2/year. The resultant weathering rate was estimated as 0.03–0.28 mm/year by considering the dry density and the pyrite content of these areas.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
