Simultaneous Polarographic Determination of Iron (II) and Iron (III) in Coal Mine Waste Water

Abstract

Polarography with a sodium carbonate-oxalic acid supporting electrolyte was used to determine both Fe(II) and Fe(III) simultaneously in actual coal mine water samples. The average relative percent error was 2.2% for Fe(II) and 2.1% for Fe(III) over a range of 10 to 500 ppm. In actual mine water the Fe(II) content was highest where the mine water emerged. As the water moved down stream from the source of pollution Fe(II) decreased and Fe(III) concentration increased as Fe(II) was oxidized to Fe(III) by oxygen. This was accompanied by a decrease in pH. Further down the stream Fe(III) started to precipitate and then its concentration steadily decreased.

Key Words:

• iron (II)
• iron (III)
• mine water
• polarography
• polluted streams
• coal mine