Question

Which of the following is the first, or initiator, reaction in acid mine drainage and leaching?

A) oxidation of reduced sulfides to sulfate and the release of reduced iron (Fe2+)
B) rapid spontaneous reduction of oxidized iron (Fe3+)
C) rapid oxidation of sulfides to sulfate by oxidized iron (Fe3+)
D) microbial sulfate reduction

Answer 1

The first reaction in acid mine drainage and leaching is oxidation of reduced sulfides to sulfate and the release of reduced iron (Fe2+).

Step-by-step explanation:

The first, or initiator, reaction in acid mine drainage and leaching is oxidation of reduced sulfides to sulfate and the release of reduced iron (Fe2+) (option A). In this reaction, reduced sulfides are oxidized to sulfate and Fe2+ ions are released. This process occurs due to the interaction of sulfides with oxidized iron (Fe3+).