Abstract
The weathering of arsenopyrite (FeAsS) has been monitored in soils using an in situ experimental approach. Arsenopyrite in nylon experimental bags was placed in individual horizons in soils in spruce (litter, horizons A, B, C), beech (litter, horizons A, B, C) and unforested (horizons A, B, C) areas and left in contact with the soil for a period of 1 year.
The individual areas on the ridge of the Krušné hory Mts., Czech Republic, had the same lithology, climatic and environmental conditions. Scorodite (FeAsO4•2H2O) was identified as a principal secondary mineral of arsenic (As) formed directly on the surface of the arsenopyrite.
Scorodite was formed in all the areas in all soil horizons. The amount of scorodite formed decreased in the series beech, spruce and unforested areas.
In forested areas, there was a larger amount of scorodite on arsenopyrites exposed in organic horizons (litter, A horizon).