Arsenate uptake by calcite: Macroscopic and spectroscopic characterization of adsorption and incorporation mechanisms

Batch uptake experiments and X-ray element mapping and spectroscopic techniques were used to investigate As(V) (arsenate) uptake mechanisms by calcite, including adsorption and coprecipitation. Batch sorption experiments in calcite-equilibrated suspensions (pH 8.3; PCO2 = 10−3.5 atm) reveal rapid initial sorption to calcite, with sorption rate gradually decreasing with time as available sorption sites decrease. An As(V)–calcite sorption isotherm determined after 24 h equilibration exhibits Langmuir-like behavior up to As concentrations of 300 μM. Maximum distribution coefficient values (Kd), derived from a best fit to a Langmuir model, are ∼190 L kg−1.Calcite single crystals grown in the presence of As(V) show well-developed rhombohedral morphology with characteristic growth hillocks on (101¯4) surfaces at low As(V) concentrations (⩽5 μM), but habit modification is evident at As(V) concentrations ⩾30 μM in the form of macrostep development preferentially on the − vicinal surfaces of growth hillocks. Micro-X-ray fluorescence element mapping of (101¯4) surfaces shows preferential incorporation of As in the − vicinal faces relative to + vicinals. EXAFS fit results for both adsorption and coprecipitation samples confirm that As occurs in the 5+ oxidation state in tetrahedral coordination with oxygen, i.e., as arsenate. For adsorption samples, As(V) forms inner-sphere surface complexes via corner-sharing with Ca octahedra. As(V) coprecipitated with calcite substitutes in carbonate sites but with As off-centered, as indicated by two Ca shells, and with likely disruption of local structure. The results indicate that As(V) interacts strongly with the calcite surface, similar to often-cited analog phosphate, and uptake can occur via both adsorption and coprecipitation reactions. Therefore, calcite may be effective for partial removal of dissolved arsenate from aquatic and soil systems.