Application of selenium coprecipitated with barite as a redox indicator

Abstract

  Redox potential is an important factor controlling chemical processes in hydrosphere on the earth.  In this study, we propose a new redox indicator using the oxidation states of redox sensitive element in the mineral, such as selenium(Se) in barite.  Coprecipitation experiments of Se with barite were conducted to investigate the influence of the Se oxidation state on its immobilization into barite.  It was found that Se incorporated into barite can reflect the Se(VI)/Se(VI) ratio in water, suggesting that oxidation state of Se in barite can be used as a redox indicator in depositional environment.