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16
CH3041
ACID SULPHATE SOILS
Acid sulphate soils are
soils or sediments which
contain elevated levels of FeS and in particular
iron pyrites FeS2.
• In an anaerobic
state these sulphides are stable but
upon excavation or drainage of the soil oxidation occurs forming H2SO4.
• Runoff from the soil will typically be very
acidic and this will leach toxic trace metals
from the other minerals present (Al, Fe).
acidic and this will leach toxic trace metals
from the other minerals present (Al, Fe).
• A.S. Soils are common and are
frequently
being developed along the East Coast.
being developed along the East Coast.
• The H2SO4 generated by disturbance is highly corrosive - an
environmental risk.
