Register      Login
Environmental Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Society
Environmental problems - Chemical approaches
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Efficient removal of antimony with natural secondary iron minerals: effect of structural properties and sorption mechanism

Nana Wang https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0303-4690 A , Nairui Deng A , Yuyin Qiu A , Zebin Su A , Chujie Huang A , Kaimei Hu A , Jianqiao Wang A , Liang Ma B , Enzong Xiao A and Tangfu Xiao https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5792-8756 A C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.

B State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.

C Corresponding author. Email: tfxiao@gzhu.edu.cn

Environmental Chemistry 17(4) 332-344 https://doi.org/10.1071/EN20002
Submitted: 3 January 2020  Accepted: 29 January 2020   Published: 6 March 2020

Environmental context. Antimony is classified as a priority pollutant and is increasingly detected in the environment as a result of various anthropogenic activities. Natural secondary iron minerals are important sinks for many toxic elements. We found that antimony promotes structural transformations in secondary iron minerals, and that antimony is then further immobilised by the newly formed iron mineral phases.

Abstract. Secondary iron minerals (SIMs), naturally formed in acid mine drainage (AMD), can serve as sinks to remove antimony (Sb) from the environment. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the structural characteristics and SbIII or SbV sorption behaviours of two different SIMs (neo-formed SIM (n-SIM) and mature SIM (m-SIM)). The results showed that both m- and n-SIMs were composed of mixed crystal phases, mainly schwertmannite, jarosite, goethite and ferrihydrite. Despite similar elemental compositions, they had different microstructures. m-SIM was a regular spheroid with a close-packed arrangement, while n-SIM was an incomplete irregular spheroid with ordered channels and a random loose arrangement. The initial SbIII or SbV sorption rate order was n-SIM > m-SIM. The maximum sorption capacities of n- and m-SIMs were 219.8 (SbIII) or 366.3 (SbV) mg g−1 and 160.3 (SbIII) or 114.9 (SbV) mg g−1 respectively, and n- and m-SIMs could both effectively remove Sb from natural wastewaters, while trace Sb levels remained. Sb immobilisation on SIMs occurred as a rapid endothermal and homogeneous sorption process. After Sb sorption, the SO42− and total Fe(aq) concentrations in the sample solutions significantly changed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analyses confirmed that n- or m-SIM had transformed in the presence of Sb, even without FeII(aq), which indicated an important SIMs transformation-Sb immobilisation relationship. These findings are valuable for better understanding the Sb behaviours associated with natural SIMs and the short-term fate of Sb in the environment.

Additional keywords: crystalline phase changes, jarosite, schwertmannite, transformation.


References

Acero P, Ayora C, Torrentó C, Nieto J-M (2006). The behavior of trace elements during schwertmannite precipitation and subsequent transformation into goethite and jarosite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 70, 4130–4139.
The behavior of trace elements during schwertmannite precipitation and subsequent transformation into goethite and jarositeCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Antelo J, Fiol S, Gondar D, López R, Arce F (2012). Comparison of arsenate, chromate and molybdate binding on schwertmannite: Surface adsorption vs anion-exchange. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 386, 338–343.
Comparison of arsenate, chromate and molybdate binding on schwertmannite: Surface adsorption vs anion-exchangeCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22901683PubMed |

Bai Y, Jefferson WA, Liang J, Yang T, Qu J (2017). Antimony oxidation and adsorption by in-situ formed biogenic Mn oxide and Fe–Mn oxides. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China) 54, 126–134.
Antimony oxidation and adsorption by in-situ formed biogenic Mn oxide and Fe–Mn oxidesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Belzile N, Chen Y-W, Filella M (2011). Human Exposure to Antimony: I. Sources and Intake. Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology 41, 1309–1373.
Human Exposure to Antimony: I. Sources and IntakeCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bigham JM, Schwertmann U, Traina SJ, Winland RL, Wolf M (1996). Schwertmannite and the chemical modeling of iron in acid sulfate waters. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 60, 2111–2121.
Schwertmannite and the chemical modeling of iron in acid sulfate watersCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burton ED, Hockmann K, Karimian N, Johnston SG (2019). Antimony mobility in reducing environments: The effect of microbial iron(III)-reduction and associated secondary mineralization. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 245, 278–289.
Antimony mobility in reducing environments: The effect of microbial iron(III)-reduction and associated secondary mineralizationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Carvalho-E-Silva ML, Ramos AY, Tolentino HCN, Enzweiler J, Netto SM, Alves M (2003). Incorporation of Ni into natural goethite: An investigation by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. American Mineralogist 88, 876–882.
Incorporation of Ni into natural goethite: An investigation by X-ray absorption spectroscopyCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chmielewská E, Tylus W, Drábik M, Majzlan J, Kravčak J, Williams C, Čaplovičová M, Čaplovič L’ (2017). Structure investigation of nano-FeO(OH) modified clinoptilolite tuff for antimony removal. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials 248, 222–233.
Structure investigation of nano-FeO(OH) modified clinoptilolite tuff for antimony removalCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Collins RN, Jones AM, Waite TD (2010). Schwertmannite stability in acidified coastal environments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 74, 482–496.
Schwertmannite stability in acidified coastal environmentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cui J, Jing C (2019). A review of arsenic interfacial geochemistry in groundwater and the role of organic matter. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 183, 109550
A review of arsenic interfacial geochemistry in groundwater and the role of organic matterCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31446170PubMed |

Das S, Hendry MJ (2011). Application of Raman spectroscopy to identify iron minerals commonly found in mine wastes. Chemical Geology 290, 101–108.
Application of Raman spectroscopy to identify iron minerals commonly found in mine wastesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Das S, Jim Hendry M, Essilfie-Dughan J (2013). Adsorption of selenate onto ferrihydrite, goethite, and lepidocrocite under neutral pH conditions. Applied Geochemistry 28, 185–193.
Adsorption of selenate onto ferrihydrite, goethite, and lepidocrocite under neutral pH conditionsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ding Z, Fu F, Dionysiou DD, Tang B (2018). Coadsorption and subsequent redox conversion behaviors of As(III) and Cr(VI) on Al-containing ferrihydrite. Environmental Pollution 235, 660–669.
Coadsorption and subsequent redox conversion behaviors of As(III) and Cr(VI) on Al-containing ferrihydriteCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29331898PubMed |

Dong S, Dou X, Mohan D, Pittman CU, Luo J (2015). Synthesis of graphene oxide/schwertmannite nanocomposites and their application in Sb(V) adsorption from water. Chemical Engineering Journal 270, 205–214.
Synthesis of graphene oxide/schwertmannite nanocomposites and their application in Sb(V) adsorption from waterCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Du X, Qu F, Liang H, Li K, Yu H, Bai L, Li G (2014). Removal of antimony (III) from polluted surface water using a hybrid coagulation–flocculation–ultrafiltration (CF–UF) process. Chemical Engineering Journal 254, 293–301.
Removal of antimony (III) from polluted surface water using a hybrid coagulation–flocculation–ultrafiltration (CF–UF) processCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fan C, Guo C, Zeng Y, Tu Z, Ji Y, Reinfelder JR, Chen M, Huang W, Lu G, Yi X, Dang Z (2019). The behavior of chromium and arsenic associated with redox transformation of schwertmannite in AMD environment. Chemosphere 222, 945–953.
The behavior of chromium and arsenic associated with redox transformation of schwertmannite in AMD environmentCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Feng R, Wei C, Tu S, Ding Y, Wang R, Guo J (2013). The uptake and detoxification of antimony by plants: A review. Environmental and Experimental Botany 96, 28–34.
The uptake and detoxification of antimony by plants: A reviewCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Filella M, Belzile N, Chen Y-W (2002a). Antimony in the environment: a review focused on natural waters: I. Occurrence. Earth-Science Reviews 57, 125–176.
Antimony in the environment: a review focused on natural waters: I. OccurrenceCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Filella M, Belzile N, Chen Y-W (2002b). Antimony in the environment: a review focused on natural waters: II. Relevant solution chemistry. Earth-Science Reviews 59, 265–285.
Antimony in the environment: a review focused on natural waters: II. Relevant solution chemistryCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Frost RL, Čejka J, Sejkora J, Ozdín D, Bahfenne S, Keeffe EC (2009). Raman spectroscopic study of the antimonate mineral brandholzite Mg[Sb2(OH)12]·6H2O. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy : JRS 40, 1907–1910.
Raman spectroscopic study of the antimonate mineral brandholzite Mg[Sb2(OH)12]·6H2OCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fu Z, Wu F, Mo C, Deng Q, Meng W, Giesy JP (2016). Comparison of arsenic and antimony biogeochemical behavior in water, soil and tailings from Xikuangshan, China. The Science of the Total Environment 539, 97–104.
Comparison of arsenic and antimony biogeochemical behavior in water, soil and tailings from Xikuangshan, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26356182PubMed |

Gan M, Sun S, Zheng Z, Tang H, Sheng J, Zhu J, Liu X (2015). Adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) by AlPO4 modified biosynthetic schwertmannite. Applied Surface Science 356, 986–997.
Adsorption of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) by AlPO4 modified biosynthetic schwertmanniteCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gebel T (1997). Arsenic and antimony: comparative approach on mechanistic toxicology. Chemico-Biological Interactions 107, 131–144.
Arsenic and antimony: comparative approach on mechanistic toxicologyCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 9448748PubMed |

Guo X, Wu Z, He M, Meng X, Jin X, Qiu N, Zhang J (2014). Adsorption of antimony onto iron oxyhydroxides: Adsorption behavior and surface structure. Journal of Hazardous Materials 276, 339–345.
Adsorption of antimony onto iron oxyhydroxides: Adsorption behavior and surface structureCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24910911PubMed |

He M, Wang X, Wu F, Fu Z (2012). Antimony pollution in China. Science of The Total Environment 421–422, 41–50.
Antimony pollution in ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21741676PubMed |

He M, Wang N, Long X, Zhang C, Ma C, Zhong Q, Wang A, Wang Y, Pervaiz A, Shan J (2019). Antimony speciation in the environment: Recent advances in understanding the biogeochemical processes and ecological effects. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China) 75, 14–39.
Antimony speciation in the environment: Recent advances in understanding the biogeochemical processes and ecological effectsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hu Q, Liu Y, Gu X, Zhao Y (2017). Adsorption behavior and mechanism of different arsenic species on mesoporous MnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles. Chemosphere 181, 328–336.
Adsorption behavior and mechanism of different arsenic species on mesoporous MnFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticlesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 28453965PubMed |

Jiang X, Peng C, Fu D, Chen Z, Shen L, Li Q, Ouyang T, Wang Y (2015). Removal of arsenate by ferrihydrite via surface complexation and surface precipitation. Applied Surface Science 353, 1087–1094.
Removal of arsenate by ferrihydrite via surface complexation and surface precipitationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnston SG, Burton ED, Moon EM (2016). Arsenic mobilization is enhanced by thermal transformation of schwertmannite. Environmental Science & Technology 50, 8010–8019.
Arsenic mobilization is enhanced by thermal transformation of schwertmanniteCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kang M, Kawasaki M, Tamada S, Kamei T, Magara Y (2000). Effect of pH on the removal of arsenic and antimony using reverse osmosis membranes. Desalination 131, 293–298.
Effect of pH on the removal of arsenic and antimony using reverse osmosis membranesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Karimian N, Johnston SG, Burton ED (2017). Antimony and arsenic behavior during Fe(II)-induced transformation of jarosite. Environmental Science & Technology 51, 4259–4268.
Antimony and arsenic behavior during Fe(II)-induced transformation of jarositeCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Karimian N, Johnston SG, Burton ED (2018). Antimony and arsenic partitioning during Fe2+-induced transformation of jarosite under acidic conditions. Chemosphere 195, 515–523.
Antimony and arsenic partitioning during Fe2+-induced transformation of jarosite under acidic conditionsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29277031PubMed |

Karimian N, Burton ED, Johnston SG, Hockmann K, Choppala G (2019). Humic acid impacts antimony partitioning and speciation during iron(II)-induced ferrihydrite transformation. The Science of the Total Environment 683, 399–410.
Humic acid impacts antimony partitioning and speciation during iron(II)-induced ferrihydrite transformationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31141743PubMed |

Kendall MR, Madden AS, Elwood Madden ME, Hu Q (2013). Effects of arsenic incorporation on jarosite dissolution rates and reaction products. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 112, 192–207.
Effects of arsenic incorporation on jarosite dissolution rates and reaction productsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li Y, Mohan D, Pittman CU, Ok YS, Dou X (2016). Removal of antimonate and antimonite from water by schwertmannite granules. Desalination and Water Treatment 57, 25639–25652.
Removal of antimonate and antimonite from water by schwertmannite granulesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li X, Reich T, Kersten M, Jing C (2019). Low-molecular-weight organic acid complexation affects antimony(III) adsorption by granular ferric hydroxide. Environmental Science & Technology 53, 5221–5229.
Low-molecular-weight organic acid complexation affects antimony(III) adsorption by granular ferric hydroxideCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Luo J, Hu C, Meng X, Crittenden J, Qu J, Peng P (2017). Antimony removal from aqueous solution using novel α-MnO2 nanofibers: Equilibrium, kinetic, and fensity functional theory Studies. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering 5, 2255–2264.
Antimony removal from aqueous solution using novel α-MnO2 nanofibers: Equilibrium, kinetic, and fensity functional theory StudiesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Maillot F, Morin G, Juillot F, Bruneel O, Casiot C, Ona-Nguema G, Wang Y, Lebrun S, Aubry E, Vlaic G, Brown GE (2013). Structure and reactivity of As(III)- and As(V)-rich schwertmannites and amorphous ferric arsenate sulfate from the Carnoulès acid mine drainage, France: Comparison with biotic and abiotic model compounds and implications for As remediation. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 104, 310–329.
Structure and reactivity of As(III)- and As(V)-rich schwertmannites and amorphous ferric arsenate sulfate from the Carnoulès acid mine drainage, France: Comparison with biotic and abiotic model compounds and implications for As remediationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Majzlan J, Navrotsky A, Schwertmann U (2004). Thermodynamics of iron oxides: Part III. Enthalpies of formation and stability of ferrihydrite (~Fe(OH)3), schwertmannite (~FeO(OH)3/4(SO4)1/8), and ϵ-Fe2O3. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 68, 1049–1059.
Thermodynamics of iron oxides: Part III. Enthalpies of formation and stability of ferrihydrite (~Fe(OH)3), schwertmannite (~FeO(OH)3/4(SO4)1/8), and ϵ-Fe2O3Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mazzetti L, Thistlethwaite PJ (2002). Raman spectra and thermal transformations of ferrihydrite and schwertmannite. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 33, 104–111.
Raman spectra and thermal transformations of ferrihydrite and schwertmanniteCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Miao Y, Han F, Pan B, Niu Y, Nie G, Lv L (2014). Antimony(V) removal from water by hydrated ferric oxides supported by calcite sand and polymeric anion exchanger. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China) 26, 307–314.
Antimony(V) removal from water by hydrated ferric oxides supported by calcite sand and polymeric anion exchangerCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mitsunobu S, Takahashi Y, Terada Y, Sakata M (2010). Antimony(V) incorporation into synthetic ferrihydrite, goethite, and natural iron oxyhydroxides. Environmental Science & Technology 44, 3712–3718.
Antimony(V) incorporation into synthetic ferrihydrite, goethite, and natural iron oxyhydroxidesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mitsunobu S, Muramatsu C, Watanabe K, Sakata M (2013). Behavior of antimony(V) during the transformation of ferrihydrite and its environmental implications. Environmental Science & Technology 47, 9660–9667.
Behavior of antimony(V) during the transformation of ferrihydrite and its environmental implicationsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nishad PA, Bhaskarapillai A, Velmurugan S (2017). Towards finding an efficient sorbent for antimony: comparative investigations on antimony removal properties of potential antimony sorbents. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 14, 777–784.
Towards finding an efficient sorbent for antimony: comparative investigations on antimony removal properties of potential antimony sorbentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Paikaray S, Göttlicher J, Peiffer S (2011). Removal of As(III) from acidic waters using schwertmannite: Surface speciation and effect of synthesis pathway. Chemical Geology 283, 134–142.
Removal of As(III) from acidic waters using schwertmannite: Surface speciation and effect of synthesis pathwayCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Paikaray S, Göttlicher J, Peiffer S (2012). As(III) retention kinetics, equilibrium and redox stability on biosynthesized schwertmannite and its fate and control on schwertmannite stability on acidic (pH 3.0) aqueous exposure. Chemosphere 86, 557–564.
As(III) retention kinetics, equilibrium and redox stability on biosynthesized schwertmannite and its fate and control on schwertmannite stability on acidic (pH 3.0) aqueous exposureCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 22138337PubMed |

Paikaray S, Essilfie-Dughan J, Göttlicher J, Pollok K, Peiffer S (2014). Redox stability of As(III) on schwertmannite surfaces. Journal of Hazardous Materials 265, 208–216.
Redox stability of As(III) on schwertmannite surfacesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24361800PubMed |

Paikaray S, Schröder C, Peiffer S (2017). Schwertmannite stability in anoxic Fe(II)-rich aqueous solution. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 217, 292–305.
Schwertmannite stability in anoxic Fe(II)-rich aqueous solutionCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Qi P, Pichler T (2016). Sequential and simultaneous adsorption of Sb(III) and Sb(V) on ferrihydrite: Implications for oxidation and competition. Chemosphere 145, 55–60.
Sequential and simultaneous adsorption of Sb(III) and Sb(V) on ferrihydrite: Implications for oxidation and competitionCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 26688239PubMed |

Regenspurg S, Peiffer S (2005). Arsenate and chromate incorporation in schwertmannite. Applied Geochemistry 20, 1226–1239.
Arsenate and chromate incorporation in schwertmanniteCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schwertmann U, Carlson L (2005). The pH-dependent transformation of schwertmannite to goethite at 25 degrees C. Clay Minerals 40, 63–66.
The pH-dependent transformation of schwertmannite to goethite at 25 degrees CCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shan C, Ma Z, Tong M (2014). Efficient removal of trace antimony(III) through adsorption by hematite modified magnetic nanoparticles. Journal of Hazardous Materials 268, 229–236.
Efficient removal of trace antimony(III) through adsorption by hematite modified magnetic nanoparticlesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24509094PubMed |

Silva LFO, Fdez-Ortiz de Vallejuelo S, Martinez-Arkarazo I, Castro K, Oliveira MLS, Sampaio CH, de Brum IAS, de Leão FB, Taffarel SR, Madariaga JM (2013). Study of environmental pollution and mineralogical characterization of sediment rivers from Brazilian coal mining acid drainage. The Science of the Total Environment 447, 169–178.
Study of environmental pollution and mineralogical characterization of sediment rivers from Brazilian coal mining acid drainageCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sowers TD, Harrington JM, Polizzotto ML, Duckworth OW (2017). Sorption of arsenic to biogenic iron (oxyhydr)oxides produced in circumneutral environments. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 198, 194–207.
Sorption of arsenic to biogenic iron (oxyhydr)oxides produced in circumneutral environmentsCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sun Q, Liu C, Alves ME, Ata-Ul-Karim ST, Zhou D-M, He J-Z, Cui P-X, Wang Y-J (2018). The oxidation and sorption mechanism of Sb on δ-MnO2. Chemical Engineering Journal 342, 429–437.
The oxidation and sorption mechanism of Sb on δ-MnO2Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sun Q, Cui P-X, Liu C, Peng S-M, Alves ME, Zhou D-M, Shi Z-Q, Wang Y-J (2019). Antimony oxidation and sorption behavior on birnessites with different properties (δ-MnO2 and triclinic birnessite). Environmental Pollution 246, 990–998.
Antimony oxidation and sorption behavior on birnessites with different properties (δ-MnO2 and triclinic birnessite)Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 31159148PubMed |

Vithana CL, Sullivan LA, Burton ED, Bush RT (2015). Stability of schwertmannite and jarosite in an acidic landscape: Prolonged field incubation. Geoderma 239–240, 47–57.
Stability of schwertmannite and jarosite in an acidic landscape: Prolonged field incubationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Vithana CL, Johnston SG, Dawson N (2018). Divergent repartitioning of copper, antimony and phosphorus following thermal transformation of schwertmannite and ferrihydrite. Chemical Geology 483, 530–543.
Divergent repartitioning of copper, antimony and phosphorus following thermal transformation of schwertmannite and ferrihydriteCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang X, He M, Xi J, Lu X (2011). Antimony distribution and mobility in rivers around the world's largest antimony mine of Xikuangshan, Hunan Province, China. Microchemical Journal 97, 4–11.
Antimony distribution and mobility in rivers around the world's largest antimony mine of Xikuangshan, Hunan Province, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang L, Wan C-l, Zhang Y, Lee D-J, Liu X, Chen X-f, Tay J-H (2015). Mechanism of enhanced Sb(V) removal from aqueous solution using chemically modified aerobic granules. Journal of Hazardous Materials 284, 43–49.
Mechanism of enhanced Sb(V) removal from aqueous solution using chemically modified aerobic granulesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 25463216PubMed |

Wen B, Zhou J, Zhou A, Liu C, Xie L (2016). Sources, migration and transformation of antimony contamination in the water environment of Xikuangshan, China: Evidence from geochemical and stable isotope (S, Sr) signatures. Science of The Total Environment 569, 114–122.
Sources, migration and transformation of antimony contamination in the water environment of Xikuangshan, China: Evidence from geochemical and stable isotope (S, Sr) signaturesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27341112PubMed |

Wilson SC, Lockwood PV, Ashley PM, Tighe M (2010). The chemistry and behaviour of antimony in the soil environment with comparisons to arsenic: A critical review. Environmental Pollution 158, 1169–1181.
The chemistry and behaviour of antimony in the soil environment with comparisons to arsenic: A critical reviewCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19914753PubMed |

Wu Z, He M, Guo X, Zhou R (2010). Removal of antimony (III) and antimony (V) from drinking water by ferric chloride coagulation: Competing ion effect and the mechanism analysis. Separation and Purification Technology 76, 184–190.
Removal of antimony (III) and antimony (V) from drinking water by ferric chloride coagulation: Competing ion effect and the mechanism analysisCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yang K, Zhou J, Lou Z, Zhou X, Liu Y, Li Y, Ali Baig S, Xu X (2018). Removal of Sb(V) from aqueous solutions using Fe-Mn binary oxides: The influence of iron oxides forms and the role of manganese oxides. Chemical Engineering Journal 354, 577–588.
Removal of Sb(V) from aqueous solutions using Fe-Mn binary oxides: The influence of iron oxides forms and the role of manganese oxidesCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhang Z, Bi X, Li X, Zhao Q, Chen H (2018). Schwertmannite: occurrence, properties, synthesis and application in environmental remediation. RSC Advances 8, 33583–33599.
Schwertmannite: occurrence, properties, synthesis and application in environmental remediationCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zhou J, Nyirenda MT, Xie L, Li Y, Zhou B, Zhu Y, Liu H (2017). Mine waste acidic potential and distribution of antimony and arsenic in waters of the Xikuangshan mine, China. Applied Geochemistry 77, 52–61.
Mine waste acidic potential and distribution of antimony and arsenic in waters of the Xikuangshan mine, ChinaCrossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |