Heavy metal sulfides like CdS and PbS are often significant components of mine tailings (the piles of waste and low-grade ores discarded by a mining operation). While these sulfides are quite insoluble in water (Ksp of CdS = 1 E -27, Ksp of PbS = 3 E -28), over the years rainwater and snowmelt can slowly dissolve small amounts of these heavy metals, washing them into streams and other natural waters. If these mine tailings are located in an area that is impacted by acid rain, would you expect heavy metal dissolution into natural waters to increase or decrease? Use chemical reactions to justify your answer.
Heavy metal sulfides like CdS and PbS are often significant components of mine tailings (the piles of waste and low-grade ores discarded by a mining operation). While these sulfides are quite insoluble in water (Ksp of CdS = 1 E -27, Ksp of PbS = 3 E -28), over the years rainwater and snowmelt can slowly dissolve small amounts of these heavy metals, washing them into streams and other natural waters. If these mine tailings are located in an area that is impacted by acid rain, would you expect heavy metal dissolution into natural waters to increase or decrease? Use chemical reactions to justify your answer.
Chapter20: The Representative Elements
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 54E
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