| This thesis is comprised of two analytical projects: (1) The results of an examination of the blue product formed during the interaction of wet lime with hydrogen sulfide gas are presented. Spectroscopic studies (FT-IR, FT-Raman, visible Raman, ESR, XPS and UV) indicate that the blue color is not due to a detectable impurity in the lime but is most probably a consequence of the formation of various polysulfide species, including S4 2- and S52-, although not the S3- radical. The use of the blue product as a precipitation agent for nickel and zinc in the treatment of acid mine drainage has been explored in a preliminary manner. (2) Diethylenetriamine is employed in the mining industry as a metal complexing agent in mineral flotation. A new analytical method for the determination of the concentration of diethylenetriamine (DETA) in aqueous mineral flotation solutions has been developed which is especially useful for plant situations. |
