Microscale imaging and identification of Fe speciation and distribution during fluid-mineral reactions under highly reducing conditions

Abstract

The oxidation state, speciation, and distribution of Fe are critical determinants of Fe reactivity in natural and engineered environments. However, it is challenging to follow dynamic changes in Fe speciation in environmental systems during progressive fluid-mineral interactions. Two common geological and aquifer materials-basalt and Fe(III) oxides-were incubated with saline fluids at 55 °C under highly reducing conditions maintained by the presence of Fe(0). We tracked changes in Fe speciation after 48 h (incipient water-rock reaction) and 10 months (extensive water-rock interaction) using synchrotron-radiation μXRF maps collected at multiple energies (ME) within the Fe K-edge. Immediate PCA analysis of the ME maps was used to optimize μXANES analyses; in turn, refitting the ME maps with end-member XANES spectra enabled us to detect and spatially resolve the entire variety of Fe-phases present in the system. After 48 h, we successfully identified and mapped the major Fe-bearing components of our samples (Fe(III) oxides, basalt, and rare olivine), as well as small quantities of incipient brucite associated with olivine. After 10 months, the Fe(III)-oxides remained stable in the presence of Fe(0), whereas significant alteration of basalt to minnesotaite and chlinochlore had occurred, providing new insights into heterogeneous Fe speciation in complex geological media under highly reducing conditions.