Vern. Lecture 1a

Question 1

What does saturation mean and what is used to measure it?

Answer 1

Determines whether a mineral wants to precipitate or dissolve
It is measured in the saturation index (SI).
If positive then supersaturated (wants to precipitate)
If negative then undersaturated (wants to dissolve)

Question 2

What influences saturation?

Answer 2

• How much is already dissolved in solution
• pH
• Eh

Question 3

What does speciation mean?

Answer 3

The dissolved form of a component e.g. arsenic (As). Does not appear as pure As naturally. Occurs in different species, some more toxic than others.

Question 4

What does OIL RIG stand for in Redox reactions?

Answer 4

Oxidation is loss

Reduction is gain

Question 5

What is Eh?

Answer 5

reduction potential

Question 6

Define adsorption

Answer 6

Adsorption is a chemical process that takes place when a liquid or, most commonly, a gas (adsorbate) accumulates on the surface of a solid (adsorbent), forming a molecular or atomic film.