Thermodynamics of arsenates, selenites and sulfates in the oxidation zone of sulfide ores: XII. Mineral equilibria in the Cd–Se–H2O system at 25°C

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms of cadmium and selenium behavior under near-surface conditions is very important for solving certain environmental problems. The principal aim of this study is physicochemical analysis of the formation conditions of synthetic cadmium selenite CdSeO3 · H2O and experimental investigation of its thermal stability and dehydration and dissociation mechanisms. The synthesis was performed by boiling-dry aqueous solutions of cadmium nitrate and sodium selenite. The obtained samples were identified with electron microprobe and powder X-ray diffraction. Complex thermal analysis (thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry) have shown that CdSeO3 · H2O is dehydrated at 177–241°C in two stages, apparently corresponding to the formation of CdSeO3 · 2/3H2O. The Eh–pH diagrams were calculated using the Geochemist’s Workbench (GWB 9.0) software package. The Eh–pH diagrams have been calculated for the Cd–Se–Н2О and Cd–Se–CO2–H2O systems for the average content of these elements in underground waters. The formation of cadmium selenite, CdSeO3 · H2O in the oxidation medium is quite possible. The existence of CdSeO3 is possible at high temperature.