Pyritization of trace metals in anoxic marine sediments

Abstract

The pyritization of reactive trace elements in different anoxic marine sediments was investigated to determine the importance of factors such as ∑H 2S, reactive-Fe, pyrite content and salinity in controlling this process. The areas studied included anoxic-sulfidic sediments (Baffin Bay, a hypersaline coastal lagoon from Texas and Green Canyon, a hemipelagic oil seepage area), anoxic-nonsulfidic sediments with high sedimentation rates (Atchafalaya Bay-Mississippi Delta system), hemipelagic anoxic-nonsulfidic sediments with low sedimentation rates (Gulf of Mexico shelf and slope and Orca Basin, an euxinic hypersaline basin) and organic-rich marsh sediments (Atchafalaya Bay). Results indicate that the degree of trace metal pyritization (DTMP) of all trace metals, except Cd, increased with increasing degree of pyritization (DOP), irrespective of the type of sedimentary environment involved. However, for As, Hg and Mo, the DTMP DOP values were generally above the 1:1 ratio line, whereas the transition metals Co, Cu, Mn and Ni displayed a close to linear increase in DTMP with DOP and moderate incorporation into pyrite. Chromium and the class B metals Pb and Zn were also gradually incorporated into the pyrite phase but without reaching the DTMP levels exhibited by the transition metals. Cadmium was not incorporated to a significant extent. These results are consistent with the chemical attributes of these different classes of trace elements. Availability of dissolved trace metals and organic matter content are apparently important factors controlling the incorporation of Co, Cr, Cu and Ni into pyrite in anoxicsulfidic (Fe-poor and H 2S-rich) environments.