Oxidation and dissolution of minerals
Oxidation and dissolution of minerals is a complex process that involves the migration of ions across a concentration gradient. Oxidation is a reaction where electrons are stripped from an atom or molecule, causing a reaction that produces an oxidant such as oxygen (O2). Dissolution is the process in which one substance is dispersed or dissolved into another, often in a liquid. Together, these two processes cause minerals to undergo chemical changes that can affect their usefulness and solubility in water.
Oxidation can occur naturally, as part of the chemical makeup of a given mineral, or through the introduction of an oxidizing agent. In most cases, oxidation requires the presence of oxygen (O2), which is often released by the breakdown of organic matter. Oxidation causes individual atoms to lose electrons, resulting in the formation of ions, which are charged particles capable of conductivity. These ions are then free to migrate across a concentration gradient, forming new compounds and molecules.
The process of dissolution is very closely connected with oxidation. When ions reach a certain concentration, they can form a bridge between molecules, allowing for the dissolution of further molecules in the solution. This process is called ion exchange, and it occurs naturally in most minerals. By allowing for the transportation of ions across soluble boundaries, dissolution can cause a chemical reaction that produces new compounds and molecules.
Oxidation and dissolution also play a major role in the geology of a region. Oxidation can cause the creation of compounds and molecules not originally present in the environment. Depending on the conditions, these compounds and molecules can accumulate in soil or in streams and other bodies of water. The chemical reactions that occur when oxidation and dissolution take place can also react with other compounds present to form acids, which can further the breakdown of other materials in the environment.
Taken together, oxidation and dissolution play an integral role in the transformation and corrosion of minerals. Oxidation releases ions that can migrate and form new compounds, while dissolution allows for ions to form bridges between molecules so they are dissolved. These processes together can cause a great deal of change in the environment, and must be closely monitored and regulated in order to protect both our environment and our resources.
