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Formation of CS 2 and OCS from decomposition of metal sulfides
Author(s) -
Stedman Donald H.,
Creech Michael Z.,
Cloke Paul L.,
Kesler Stephen E.,
Gardner Michael
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl011i009p00858
Subject(s) - pyrite , decomposition , organic matter , environmental chemistry , chemistry , sulfide , inorganic chemistry , sulfide minerals , iron sulfide , solvent , groundwater , metal , acetonitrile , sulfur , mineralogy , geology , organic chemistry , geotechnical engineering
The unexpected observation that the common mineral iron sulfide FeS 2 produces CS 2 and OCS when incubated with water has been further investigated by testing either untreated pyrite or pyrite cleaned with acid and an organic solvent. OCS and CS 2 were produced in all experiments except those excluding oxygen or those thoroughly cleaned with acetonitrile. These results indicate that both oxygenated water and organic matter are needed to produce OCS and CS 2 . Oxygenated groundwater with dissolved organic matter is widespread in most geologic environments, as are metal sulfides, suggesting that oxidative decomposition of pyrite should be investigated as a source of OCS and CS 2 to the atmosphere.