Sorption behavior of selenide on montmorillonite

Batch sorption experiments were performed to investigate the sorption mechanism of Se on montmorillonite under reducing conditions in deep geological environments. Based on Eh–pH diagrams and ultraviolet–visible spectra, Se was dissolved as selenide (Se(–II)) anions under the experimental conditions. The distribution coefficients (Kd; m3 kg−1) of Se(–II) indicated ionic strength independence and slight pH dependence. The Kd values of Se(–II) were higher than those of Se(IV), which also exists as an anionic species. X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy showed that the oxidation state of Se-sorbed on montmorillonite was zero even though selenide remained in the solution. These results suggest that Se(–II) was oxidized and precipitated on the montmorillonite surface. Therefore, it is implied that a redox reaction on the montmorillonite surface contributed to high Kd values for Se(–II).