ISSN:
1432-0495
Keywords:
Key words Mine tailings
;
TOF-LIMS
;
Geochemistry
;
Surface analysis
;
Laser-ionization
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Geosciences
Notes:
Abstract Time-of-flight laser-ionization mass spectrometry was applied to study the chemical composition of mineral particle surfaces in a sulphide-rich mine-tailings impoundment. This surface-sensitive technique provides chemical information from surfaces of irregularly shaped mineral particles (both conductive and insulators) less than 100 μm in diameter, which are considered to be representative of particle surface coatings in the tailings pile (after drying). In addition, depth profiles in the mineral particles were obtained. The combination of speed of analysis (1 min), small beam-diameter (2–4 μm), surface sensitivity (2–10 nm), trace-element sensitivity, and capability to analyze rough surfaces makes this method useful as a complement to studies of pore-water geochemistry and tailings mineralogy. As an example, the behavior of Pb and As in the Kidd Creek tailings dam near Timmins, Ontario, Canada, was studied, using a combination of surface analyses, and pore-water geochemical data.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s002540050199
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