SOLUBLE INORGANIC FERROUS COMPLEXES IN NATURAL-WATERS

Recent stability constant data for ferrous complexation by chloride, hydroxide and sulphate ions are used to recalculate the equilibrium distribution of soluble ferrous species at pH 7 and 8 in fresh- and seawater. Contrary to previous calculations hydroxy complexes are negligible and the aquated Fe2+ ion is the dominant species for all conditions. In seawater up to 15% of the iron might be present as chloride complexes, and 9% as sulfate complexes. The implications of these results to mineral formation are discussed. © 1979.