Identification and determination of selenosulfate and selenocyanate in flue gas desulfurization waters

Speciation distribution and leaching behavior of heavy metals in coal gasification fine ash: Influence of particle size, carbon content and mineral composition

In this study, the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals in coal gasification fine ash (CGFA) with different particle sizes were investigated to ensure safer disposal and utilization strategies for CGFA. These measures are critical to sustainable industrial practices. This study investigates the distribution and leachability of heavy metals in CGFA, analyzing how these factors vary with particle size, carbon content, and mineral composition. The results demonstrated that larger CGFA particles (>1 mm) encapsulated up to 70 % more heavy metals than smaller particles (<0.1 mm). Cr and Zn were present in higher concentrations in larger CGFA particles, whereas volatile elements such as Zn, Hg, Se, and Pb were found in relatively higher contents in finer CGFA particles. At least 70 % of Hg in CGFA was present in an acid-soluble form of speciation, whereas Cd, Zn, and Pb were mostly present in a reducible form of speciation, which could be attributed to the presence of franklinite. More than 40 % of Cd and Zn in fine CGFA particles exist in an acid-soluble form. With the exception of CGFA_1.18, Se in CGFA mainly existed in an oxidizable form at a ratio of 60 %-80 %. This could be attributed to the presence of bassanite particles as well as the higher affinity of Se for S. In contrast, Cr, Cu, and As were mostly present in residual speciation forms owing to their parasitism in quartz, sillimanite, and amorphous Fe solid solution in CGFA. Additionally, the study revealed that there was no significant relationship between heavy metal content, leaching behavior, and carbon content in CGFA. Based on combined analyses using toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) leaching concentrations and risk assessment code (RAC) results, it is recommended to focus on the environmental risks posed by Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Hg in CGFA during their modification and utilization processes.

The fate of selenium in the desulfurization wastewater evaporation process: Migration mechanisms and risk analysis

Owing to the implementation of the zero wastewater discharge policy in China, stricter supervision and technical requirements have been imposed. Hot flue gas evaporation technology exhibits significant advantages in desulfurization wastewater treatment. However, volatile constituents (such as selenium, Se) present in wastewater may be released, thus disrupting the power plant's original Se balance. In this study, the evaporation of three desulfurization wastewater plants is performed. The release of Se mainly begins from the threshold at which wastewater is evaporated to dryness, and Se release rates of 21.5, 25.1, and 35.6% are detected. Furthermore, the key components and properties of wastewater for Se migration are identified through experiments and density functional theory calculations. Lower pH values and Cl^- contents are not conducive to Se stability, and this tendency is more pronounced in selenite. The suspended solid content temporarily traps the Se in the initial evaporation process, as confirmed via a decrease in the Se release rate and a high binding energy (-307.7 kJ/mol). Moreover, results of risk assessment reveal that wastewater evaporation results in a negligible increase in Se concentration. This study evaluates the risk of Se release during wastewater evaporation and provides a basis for Se emission control strategies.

Main group cyanides: from hydrogen cyanide to cyanido-complexes

Homoleptic cyanide compounds exist of almost all main group elements. While the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals form cyanide salts, the cyanides of the lighter main group elements occur mainly as covalent compounds. This review gives an overview of the status quo of main group element cyanides and cyanido complexes. Information about syntheses are included as well as applications, special substance properties, bond lengths, spectroscopic characteristics and computations. Cyanide chemistry is presented mainly from the field of inorganic chemistry, but aspects of chemical biology and astrophysics are also discussed in relation to cyano compounds.

Comprehensive Effect of Oxidant Addition in an FGD Slurry on the Removal and Distribution of Selenium: A Field Study

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubbers capture selenium in coal-fired power plants, leading to a high concentration of selenium in the slurry. This research proves that SO₃^2- is preferentially oxidized compared to SeO₃^2- by S₂O₈^2-. With the increase in the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) caused by S₂O₈^2- addition, the conversion rate of SO₃^2- increased and the size of gypsum grains grew from 31.2 to 34.6 μm. SeO₃^2- migrates into gypsum grains during the growth of CaSO₄·2H₂O, leading to selenium fixation in gypsum. In a field study of a 350 MW unit, the ORP increased from 142 to 450 mV when Na₂S₂O₈ was fed into the FGD slurry. With the addition of the oxidant, 65.1% of selenium in the liquid phase migrated into gypsum. The concentration of selenium in the leachate of gypsum after oxidant addition decreased by 68.0%. A 2.34% increase in the selenium removal rate was observed in the scrubber. This study focuses on the migration and conversion of selenium in an actual FGD slurry via a field test. The results found in the 350 MW unit are consistent with laboratory results. The change in ORP has been proven to be effective in adjusting the selenium distribution in the FGD slurry.

Selenium migration mechanism in wet FGD slurry: Experimental and DFT analysis

Selenium (Se) is one of the hazardous trace elements emitted from coal-fired power plants. The Se migration behavior in wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) slurry is still unclear, and the species of Se in FGD gypsum remains controversial. In this research, the bubbling experiments using simulated slurry with/without gypsum crystallization process were conducted. The experimental results indicated that pure gypsum has poor capability to capture Se components, and only selenite could be trapped in gypsum during its crystal growth stage. Furthermore, the DFT calculation was conducted to provide the microscopic information of Se adsorption and substitution characteristics during gypsum crystallization process. The research findings of this study could help understand the mechanism of Se migration process in FGD slurry, and facilitate the development of effective Se emission control technologies in the future.

The distribution and conversion of selenite and selenate with the bubbling of simulated flue gas in simulated WFGD slurry

Selenium is one of the hazardous trace elements emitted from coal-fired power plants. The distribution of selenium in Wet Flue Gas Desulfurization (WFGD) process is still unclear and even in controversial, impeding the development of selenium removal technologies. This research has found that the selenite in simulated slurry could be reduced by SO₂ while selenate has not been affected. Characterization methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to provide an evidence that the product of the reduction reaction is amorphous elemental selenium. Meanwhile, the influences of other gaseous components, pH, temperature and S₂O₈^2- in simulated slurry has also been considered in this research. It is found that with the increase of SO₂ concentration in flue gas, the reduction of selenite increased and the reduction reaction is an exothermic reaction. Meanwhile, the oxidation effect of S₂O₈^2- competes with the reduction effect of SO₂. This study introduced the influence of flue gas into the research of the conversion of selenium in FGD slurry and indicate the effect of flue gas on the potential emission treatment techniques of selenium in FGD slurry.

The identification of selenopolythionates in aqueous solutions by electrospray ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance-mass spectrometry

Selenosulfate (SeSO₃^2-) has been shown to occur in certain industrial process waters, and selenopolythionates (Se_nS_xO₆^2-) can be suspected to form from SeSO₃^2- via oxidative or addition reactions. We report here the first observation of selenopolythionates in waters by mass spectrometry. The high mass accuracy and ultra-high resolution of Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance-mass Spectrometry with electrospray ionization (ESI-FT-ICR-MS) were used to analyze the isotope patterns of selenium (Se), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O) satellites, in order to provide unequivocal determination of the molecular sum formula of three different selenopolythionates. An aged aqueous solution of SeSO₃^2- was shown to contain the sodium adducts of selenotrithionate (NaSeS₂O_6^-), diselenotetrathionate (NaSe₂S₂O_6^-), and triselenopentathionate (NaSe₃S₂O_6^-). The identity of these ions was confirmed by accurate mass determination (Δ m/z < 3 ppm error) and by isotopic intensity ratio analysis of the [MIS+2] satellites. Furthermore, Collision Induced Dissociation (CID) was applied to selenotrithionate to distinguish between isomers, and the fragmentation mass spectrum reveals that the Se atom in NaSeS₂O_6^- is located in the middle of the chalcogen chain. Ion chromatographic analysis of the analyzed selenosulfate solutions indicates that selenopolythionates are not suitable for determination by common separations employed for Se speciation analysis, which emphasizes the value of ESI-FT-ICR-MS for complete qualitative characterization of trace element speciation in solution.

Determination of selenocyanate, selenate, and selenite in mining wastewater by GC-MS using sequential derivatization and extraction

Selenium speciation analysis is usually carried out using complex hyphenated analytical systems such as LC-ICP-MS. Here we present a novel selenium speciation approach based on a sequential derivatization and extraction combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of selenite, selenate, and selenocyanate in aqueous mine wastewater samples. Selenocyanate was derivatized with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate to ethylselenocyanate, which was extracted into chloroform, following which the sample was split into two aliquots. One aliquot was acidified and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-o-phenylenediamine was used for the novel derivatization of selenite to 4,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole, for the determination of selenite. For the second aliquot, concentrated hydrochloric acid was added along with 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine to simultaneously reduce selenate to selenite and derivatize the combined "selenite + selenate" fraction to 5-nitro-2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole. The benzoselenadiazoles were extracted with chloroform and all extracts were combined for GC-MS analysis. Low ng g^-1 detection limits were reported for all three species. The method is unhindered by concentrations of chloride and sulphate up to 3%, as well as nitrate concentrations up to 3% for selenocyanate and selenite analysis, with minor losses in sensitivity for selenate up to 100 ppm nitrate, making the method particularly suitable for aqueous mine waste characterization. Quantitative trace selenium speciation was achieved using cost-effective materials and apparatus on a simple-to-operate benchtop instrument. The novel methodology was tested on gold mine wastewater samples; comparing to total selenium, a 63-149% recovery as the sum of species was observed. Additionally, this novel speciation approach was compared to LC-ICP-MS based selenium speciation and a reasonable agreement was found in the species distribution.

Non-Negligible Stack Emissions of Noncriteria Air Pollutants from Coal-Fired Power Plants in China: Condensable Particulate Matter and Sulfur Trioxide

In this study, we investigated the emission characteristics of condensable particulate matter (CPM) and sulfur trioxide (SO₃) simultaneously through ammonia-based/limestone-based wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) from four typical coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) by conducting field measurements. Stack emissions of filterable particulate matter (FPM) all meet the Chinese ultralow emission (ULE) standards, whereas CPM concentrations are prominent (even exceed 10 mg/Nm³ from two CFPPs). We find that NH₄⁺ and Cl^- increase markedly through the ammonia-based WFGD, and SO₄^2- is generally the main ionic component, both in CPM and FPM. Notably, the occurrence of elemental Se in FPM and CPM is significantly affected by WFGD. Furthermore, the established chemical profiles in FPM and CPM show a distinct discrepancy. In CPM, the elemental S mainly exists as a sulfate, and the metallic elements of Na, K, Mg, and Ca mainly exist as ionic species. Our results may indicate that not all SO₃ are included in CPM and they co-exist in stack plume. With the substantial reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO₂), S distributed in SO₃, CPM, and FPM becomes non-negligible. Finally, the emission factors of CPM and SO₃ under typical ULE technical routes fall in the ranges of 74.33-167.83 and 48.76-86.30 g/(t of coal) accordingly.

Selective Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Method for Ultratrace Detection of Selenocyanate

The recent interest in the determination of selenocyanate (SeCN^-) in wastewater systems has spurred the development of analytical methods for its determination at the ultratrace level. Since most of the current procedures require complex and costly instrumental configurations, we have developed a simple and rapid gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) method able to detect SeCN^- in water samples with a LOD of 0.1 ng/g Se. A 1 mL volume of aqueous sample was buffered with sodium bicarbonate and treated with triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate for conversion of the analyte into volatile EtSeCN. The derivatization yield was higher than 90%, and it could tolerate concentrations of chloride or sulfate up to 2%. The EtSeCN was extracted in chloroform and could be detected in electron ionization and also in negative chemical ionization mode with a further gain in signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of 2. The method was applied for the analysis of natural waters with quantitation of SeCN^- in the low ng/g region. The Se¹³C¹⁵N^- internal standard could be used for isotope dilution. Quantitative spike recoveries of 1 ng/g Se were obtained from seawater and river water, and 1 ng/g Se could be quantified within a standard uncertainty of 15%.

Role of extracellular reactive sulfur metabolites on microbial Se(0) dissolution

The dissolution of elemental selenium [Se(0)] during chemical weathering is an important step in the global selenium cycle. While microorganisms have been shown to play a key role in selenium dissolution in soils, the mechanisms of microbial selenium solubilization are poorly understood. In this study, we isolated a Bacillus species, designated as strain JG17, that exhibited the ability to dissolve Se(0) under oxic conditions and neutral pH. Growth of JG17 in a defined medium resulted in the production and accumulation of extracellular compounds that mediated Se(0) dissolution. Analysis of the spent medium revealed the presence of extracellular sulfite, sulfide, and thiosulfate. Abiotic Se(0) dissolution experiments with concentrations of sulfite, sulfide, and thiosulfate relevant to our system showed similar extents of selenium solubilization as the spent medium. Together, these results indicate that the solubilization of Se(0) by JG17 occurs via the release of extracellular inorganic sulfur compounds followed by chemical dissolution of Se(0) by the reactive sulfur metabolites. Our findings suggest that the production of reactive sulfur metabolites by soil microorganisms and the formation of soluble selenosulfur complexes can promote selenium mobilization during chemical weathering.

Selenium analysis in waters. Part 2: Speciation methods

In aquatic ecosystems, there is often no correlation between the total concentration of selenium present in the water column and the toxic effects observed in that environment. This is due, in part, to the variation in the bioavailability of different selenium species to organisms at the base of the aquatic food chain. The first part of this review (Kumkrong et al., 2018) discusses regulatory framework and standard methodologies for selenium analysis in waters. In this second article, we are reviewing the state of speciation analysis and importance of speciation data for decision makers in industry and regulators. We look in detail at fractionation methods for speciation, including the popular selective sequential hydride generation. We examine advantages and limitations of these methods, in terms of achievable detection limits and interferences from other matrix species, as well as the potential to over- or under-estimate operationally-defined fractions based on the various conversion steps involved in fractionation processes. Additionally, we discuss methods of discrete speciation (through separation methods), their importance in analyzing individual selenium species, difficulties associated with their implementation, as well as ways to overcome these difficulties. We also provide a brief overview of biological treatment methods for the remediation of selenium-contaminated waters. We discuss the importance of selenium speciation in the application of these methods and their potential to actually increase the bioavailability of selenium despite decreasing its total waterborne concentration.

Production and Release of Selenomethionine and Related Organic Selenium Species by Microorganisms in Natural and Industrial Waters

Laboratory algal cultures exposed to selenate were shown to produce and release selenomethionine, selenomethionine oxide, and several other organic selenium metabolites. Released discrete organic selenium species accounted for 1.6-13.1% of the selenium remaining in the media after culture death, with 1.3-6.1% of the added selenate recovered as organic metabolites. Analysis of water from an industrially impacted river collected immediately after the death of massive annual algal blooms showed that no selenomethionine or selenomethionine oxide was present. However, other discrete organic selenium species, including a cyclic oxidation product of selenomethionine, were observed, indicating the previous presence of selenomethionine. Industrial biological treatment systems designed for remediation of selenium-contaminated waters were shown to increase both the concentration of organic selenium species in the effluent, relative to influent water, and the fraction of organic selenium to up to 8.7% of the total selenium in the effluent, from less than 1.1% in the influent. Production and emission of selenomethionine, selenomethionine oxide, and other discrete organic selenium species were observed. These findings are discussed in the context of potentially increased selenium bioavailability caused by microbial activity in aquatic environments and biological treatment systems, despite overall reductions in total selenium concentration.

Elucidation of the mechanism of reaction between S2O8(2-), Selenite and Mn2+ in aqueous solution and limestone-gypsum FGD liquor

The mechanism of reaction between peroxodisulfate ion (S2O8(2-)), selenite (Se(IV)O3(2-)) and Mn(2+) as an inhibitor of selenite oxidation was studied using aqueous solutions composed of commercial reagents, as well as limestone-gypsum flue gas desulfurization (FGD) liquors sampled from coal fired power plants. The oxidation of selenite to selenate (Se(VI)O4(2-)) is promoted by the sulfate ion radical (SO4(-)) which results from decomposition of S2O8(2-). In the presence of Mn(2+), selenite oxidation was prevented due to the difference in rates of reaction with SO4(-). The ratio of the oxidation rate constants of selenite and Mn(2+) with SO4(-) was determined over a temperature range of 40-60 °C, and was found to be little influenced by the various coexisting components in FGD liquors.

Production and release of selenocyanate by different green freshwater algae in environmental and laboratory samples

In a previous study, selenocyanate was tentatively identified as a biotransformation product when green algae were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of selenate. In this follow-up study, we confirm conclusively the presence of selenocyanate in Chlorella vulgaris culture medium by electrospray mass spectrometry, based on selenium's known isotopic pattern. We also demonstrate that the observed phenomenon extends to other green algae (Chlorella kesslerii and Scenedesmus obliquus) and at least one species of blue-green algae (Synechococcus leopoliensis). Further laboratory experiments show that selenocyanate production by algae is enhanced by addition of nitrate, which appears to serve as a source of cyanide produced in the algae. Ultimately, this biotransformation process was confirmed in field experiments where trace amounts of selenocyanate (0.215 ± 0.010 ppb) were observed in a eutrophic, selenium-impacted river with massive algal blooms, which consisted of filamentous green algae (Cladophora genus) and blue-green algae (Anabaena genus). Selenocyanate abundance was low despite elevated selenium concentrations, apparently due to suppression of selenate uptake by sulfate, and insufficient nitrogen concentrations. Finally, trace levels of several other unidentified selenium-containing compounds were observed in these river water samples; preliminary suggestions for their identities include thioselenate and small organic Se species.