Comparison of methods to determine degree of pyritization
Degree of pyritization (DOP) is a measure of the ratio pyrite iron/(pyrite iron + reactive iron) that can be related to the depositional environment of a sediment. Several methods of DOP determination have been used but not systematically evaluated. The determination/extraction of reactive (usually acid soluble) iron is critical to the DOP determination, and the method generally used is reaction of the sample for 1 to 2 min with hot 12 N HCl. We present results for timed experiments with 1 N, 6 N, and 12 N HCl on three different samples. We also show that a 24 h room temperature treatment with 1 N HCl is equivalent to the 24 h treatment with Na-dithionite. Experiments with several suites of samples show that all three of these methods leach comparable amounts of iron; therefore, the DOP values are similar. However, the 1 N HCl, 24 h procedure is preferable because laboratory handling is less and easier.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1990 |
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Title | Comparison of methods to determine degree of pyritization |
DOI | 10.1016/0016-7037(90)90249-K |
Authors | J. Leventhal, C. Taylor |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta |
Index ID | 70016074 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |