Oxidation Of FeS Research Articles

Isotopic composition of sulfur and sulfate produced by oxidation of FeS

Sulfate enriched in 32 S with respect to co-existent sulfur is found in the Orgeuil meteorite. Similar isotopic distributions can be effected with at least three laboratory procedures: (1) oxidation of FeS by traces of a strong oxidizing agent such as O 2 or HOOH in a generally reducing aqueous environment, (2) bacterial oxidation of sulfides, or (3) reaction of elemental sulfur with water followed by partial oxidation of the unequilibrated products. For many reasons, the first mechanism is attractive for explaining the 32 S/ 34 S distribution in the carbonaceous chondrites.