THE OCCURENCE OF BASIC FERRIC SULFATES IN SOME CANADIAN SOILS

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Abstract
Acid sulfate conditions were found in six soils from various areas in Canada by the presence of basic ferric sulfates, the prominence of the iron oxidizing bacterium Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, and the low pH values from 2.9 to 4.2. The content of natrojarosite [NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6] was greater than, or equal to, jarosite [KFe3(SO4)2(OH)6] in the majority of the soils. The Boundary, Keld and Nicomekl soils from western areas and the Kanguk soil from an arctic area contained relatively large proportions of natrojarosite whereas the de l’Anse and Acadia soils contained larger proportions of jarosite. The recognition of acid sulfate conditions in soils and underlying materials is important not only in relation to agriculture but also with respect to construction projects, as strong acidification and corrosion may be expected, even in permafrost areas, upon exposure of pyrite-containing shales to air.

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