Question

An abandoned Indiana coal mine spoil bank (wastes) contains chunks of pyrite minerals. Under constant erosion and weathering, the pyrites leach large amounts of sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The spoil banks are also mixed with large quantities of basic limestone and clay carbonates. What should occur over time?

Answer 1

Answer:

The acid will be neutralized overtime

Explanation:

The presence of the pyrites leads to the leaching of large amounts of sulphuric acid, however the basic carbonates neutralizes the acid according to the reaction equation;

CaCO3 + H2SO4 ---> CaSO4 + CO2 + H2O.

This will prevent all the deleterious consequences associated with the leaching of the acid in the abandoned coal mine.