About the project
Naturally occurring marine deposits containing sulfidic materials are nowadays found in Ostrobothnia above sea level due to hydrostatic land uplift. As sulfides are oxidized, sulfuric acid is produced and an acid sulfate soil is formed. The formed acid leaches metals from minerals in the soil, and the drainage water from an acid sulfate soil is both acidic and rich in metals. The pore water/drainage water of a mature acid sulfate soil may be very stable with respect to both pH and redox potential without treatment, even when flooded. It is likely that macropore surface compounds are key factors in the buffering of pH and redox potential of percolating water in an acid sulfate soil.Project goal
The purpose of the project is to collect enough data on the buffering capacities with respect to both pH and redox potential of macropore surface materials collected at Risöfladan in Vasa to facilitate the development of a general method for estimating the dose of base and electron donor/acceptor material needed in a large-scale treatment operation in order to stabilize the pore water/drainage water from an acid sulfate soil at a desired pH and redox potential.Sten Engblom
Research Manager