Effects of weathering on the surface and chemical properties of chrysotile asbestos : implications for management of naturally occurring asbestos and carbon dioxide sequestration in ultramafic mine tailings ...

• Main Author: Holmes, Emma
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2012
• Subjects: Carbonic acid
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0073384; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0073384

This study focuses on the surface properties of chrysotile asbestos and the effects that naturally occurring acids and different environments, specifically stream and mine tailing environments, have in altering the surface chemistry. Surface reactions are likely the governing factors affecting chrysotile, both as a toxicant and as a carbon sequestration material. This information is important for concerns related to naturally occurring chrysotile asbestos in the environment and carbon dioxide sequestration in chrysotile tailings. FESEM, XRD, ATR FTIR, zeta potential, aqua regia digestion, ICP-MS, and ToF-SIMS were used to examine the bulk and surface properties of chrysotile asbestos. Oxalic acid and hydrochloric acid are effective at removing the magnesium brucite layer, and associated trace metals, and reducing the surface charge of chrysotile asbestos. Fibers treated with these acids are likely less hazardous from a human health perspective. Carbonic acid, a weaker acid, is much less effective at altering ...