Galena weathering under simulated calcareous soil conditions

Exploitation of polymetallic deposits from calcareous mining sites exposes galena and others sulfides to weathering factors. Galena weathering leads to the formation of lead phases (e.g., PbSO4, PbCO3) with a higher bioaccessibility than galena, thus increasing the mobility and toxicity of lead. Despite the environmental impacts of these lead phases, the mechanisms of galena oxidation and the transformation of lead secondary phases, under neutral-alkaline carbonated conditions, have rarely been studied. In this work, an experimental approach, combining electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, was developed to examine the interfacial processes involved in the galena weathering under simulated calcareous conditions. The results showed an initial oxidation stage with the formation of an anglesite-like phase leading to the partial mineral passivation. Under neutral-alkaline carbonated conditions, the stability of this phase was limited as it transformed into a cerussite-like one. Based on the surface characterization and the formation of secondary species, the weathering mechanisms of galena in calcareous soil and its environmental implications were suggested.

► Galena weathering leads to the formation of lead compounds with higher bioaccessibility.
► Galena weathering mechanism involves anglesite and cerussite-like phases formation.
► The formation of anglesite-like phases leads to the galena partial passivation.
► Lead stability decreases as anglesite species are transformed into cerussite species.
► Extra-particle precipitation of cerussite increases the dissolution of galena.