Tracing Molybdenum Attenuation in Mining Environments Using Molybdenum Stable Isotopes

Environ Sci Technol. 2019 May 21;53(10):5678-5686. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.9b00766. Epub 2019 May 8.

Abstract

Molybdenum contamination is a concern in mining regions worldwide. Better understanding of processes controlling Mo mobility in mine wastes is critical for assessing potential impacts and developing water-quality management strategies associated with this element. Here, we used Mo stable isotope (δ98/95Mo) analyses to investigate geochemical controls on Mo mobility within a tailings management facility (TMF) featuring oxic and anoxic environments. These isotopic analyses were integrated with X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and aqueous chemical data. Dissolved Mo concentrations were inversely correlated with δ98/95Mo values such that enrichment of heavy Mo isotopes in solution reflected attenuation processes. Inner-sphere complexation of Mo(VI) with ferrihydrite was the primary driver of Mo removal and was accompanied by a ca. 1‰ isotope fractionation. Limited Mo attenuation and isotope fractionation were observed in Fe(II)- and Mo-rich anoxic TMF seepage, while attenuation and isotope fractionation were greatest during discharge and oxidation of this seepage after discharge into a pond where Fe-(oxyhydr)oxide precipitation promoted Mo sorption. Overall, this study highlights the role of sorption onto Fe-(oxyhydr)oxides in attenuating Mo in oxic environments, a process which can be traced by Mo isotope analyses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Isotopes
  • Mining*
  • Molybdenum*
  • X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Isotopes
  • Molybdenum