Current understanding and challenges for the utilisation of pyrite for environmental remediation: a review

ABSTRACT

Pyrite (FeS₂) is the most abundant sulfide mineral in the Earth's crust, with a wide distribution. Commonly found in mining tailings, pyrite is a readily available and cost-effective material. Its unique composition, oxidation, and adsorption properties have made it a promising material for environmental pollution control. This review article examines the use of pyrite in environmental remediation efforts. How pyrite serves as a Fenton-like reagent, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in photo-Fenton-like, electro-Fenton-like, photo-electro-Fenton-like, and mediated persulfate systems are discussed. The article also reviews the specific interactions between pyrite and natural organic substances, such as cyanotoxins. Additionally, the use of pyrite as an adsorbent for capturing toxic elements is described. The potential of pyrite in reducing nitrogen and phosphate levels to alleviate water eutrophication is summarised. The future research directions for the application of pyrite in environmental management is proposed. The goal of this review is to offer innovative ideas for enhancing pollutant treatment technologies and developing cost-effective, high-performance methods for environmental remediation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Pyrite
• organic pollutants
• heavy metal ions
• nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients

Acknowledgments

Shulian Wang was grateful to the International Collaborative Research Fund for Young Scholars in the Innovation Demonstration Base of Ecological Environment Geotechnical and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes.

Data availability statement

Data availability is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the International Collaborative Research Fund for Young Scholars in the Innovation Demonstration Base of Ecological Environment Geotechnical and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes.

Notes on contributors

Shuo Zhang

Shuo Zhang is studying at the School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology. His research direction is water pollution control engineering.

Shulian Wang

Shulian Wang is a Associate Professor of the School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, mainly engaged in environmental engineering research.

Kewu Pi

Kewu Pi is a Professor and dean of the School of Environmental Engineering, Hubei University of Technology. He is currently an expert on hazardous waste management.

Huiqin Zhang

Huiqin Zhang is an Associate Professor of School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, mainly engaged in water pollution control theory and technology.

Xian Yang

Xian Yang is studying at the School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology. Her research direction is the management of cyanobacteria bloom.

Andrea R. Gerson

Andrea R. Gerson works at Blue Minerals Consultancy, located in Wattle Grove, Tasmania, 7109, Australia. He specializes in addressing environmental issues caused by ores and their remediation.