This study investigates the dissolution behavior of calcium-arsenic residue (CAR) sourced from a copper smelter in China, crucial for its safe disposal. Using mineralogical analysis, we identified fine powders, medium particles, and varying crystallinity in lumps, with calcium arsenate oxides comprising 56.03 % of the total weight. Arsenic dissolution is predominantly influenced by arsenic-containing mineral phases, with calcium arsenate oxides serving as the primary controlling phase. Other cations, including copper, zinc, calcium, and lead, behave according to their respective mineral phases. At a leaching pH of 3, concentrations of heavy metal ions such as As, Zn, Cu, and Pb exceed permissible limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), reaching approximately 3500, 155, 30, and 7.5 mg/L, respectively. The release of fluoride and chloride anions remains consistent throughout the system, largely unaffected by pH variations, at approximately 10 and 200 mg/L, respectively. Additionally, the competitive interaction between SO42- and AsO43- for Ca2+ ions promote SO42- dissolution, leading to morphological changes in gypsum (CaSO4·2 H2O). Under acidic conditions (pH=3), there's an increase in gypsum volume, with SO42- leaching concentration around 1100 mg/L, while under alkaline conditions (pH=12), the SO42- leaching concentration increases to around 4400 mg/L due to the dominance of AsO43-. Kinetic analysis suggests that arsenic release involves a combination of diffusion and interfacial mass transfer. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the characterization and dissolution behavior of CAR-related minerals, offering comprehensive data support for their safe disposal and landfilling.
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