Novel atmospheric scorodite synthesis by oxidation of ferrous sulfate solution. Part I

A new atmospheric scorodite synthesis process was investigated. A large size and good crystalline scorodite was precipitated at 95 °C even in a short time of 1 to 7 h when ferrous ions were oxidized by oxygen gas in the presence of As(V) ion with concentrations as high as 50 g/L As in sulfuric acid solution. The key point of the process is the ferrous state of iron in solution and the oxidation of ferrous ions during the scorodite precipitation. This scorodite has a particle size of 15 μm with approximately 10% moisture content (wet base) even under atmospheric conditions. The arsenic content was about 30% by mass. The results of the leach test are very desirable. The process can be applied to a primary smelter which produces copper, zinc, lead and other secondary materials.