Fractionation of elements during copper smelting

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00085a005· OSTI ID:6413886

Germani, M S; Zoller, W H; Small, M; Moyers, J L

A recent study of the elemental composition of particulate material collected from the plumes of five copper smelters in southeastern Arizona indicated that arsenic, lead, selenium, cadmium, zinc, tungsten, indium, and other chalcophilic elements are highly enriched in the plume materials relative to the background aerosol. Enrichments are due to the volatilization of these elements during copper smelting. Significant differences in the elemental compositions of plumes from the various smelters appear to be due to differences in the feed material, smelting conditions, and equipment use by the smelters. (3 graphs, 13 references, 7 tables)

• Research Organization: Univ of Maryl
• OSTI ID: 6413886
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 15:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ARSENIC
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
CADMIUM
COPPER
SMELTING
INDIUM
LEAD
SELENIUM
TUNGSTEN
ZINC
AIR POLLUTION
CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
ELEMENTS
METALS
POLLUTION
REFRACTORY METALS
SEMIMETALS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
500200* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)