Nickel isotope fractionation during laterite Ni ore smelting and refining: Implications for tracing the sources of Ni in smelter-affected soils

摘要: Abstract Nickel isotope ratios were measured in ores, fly ash, slags and FeNi samples from two metallurgical plants located the Goias State, Brazil (Barro Alto, Niquelândia). This allowed investigating mass-dependent fractionation of Ni isotopes during Ni-laterite ore smelting refining. Feeding material exhibits a large range δ 60 values (from 0.02 ± 0.10‰ to 0.20 ± 0.05‰, n = 7), explained by diversity Ni-bearing phases, average feeding materials was found equal 0.08 ± 0.08‰ (2SD, n = 7). Both ash (δ Ni = 0.07 ± 0.07‰, n = 10) final produced (0.05 ± 0.02‰, n = 2) not significantly different ones. These are consistent with very high production yield factories. However, present heaviest all smelter samples, ranging 0.11 ± 0.05‰ 0.27 ± 0.05‰ (n = 8). Soils also collected near far Niquelândia plant, evaluate potential for tracing natural vs anthropogenic soils. The isotopic composition non-impacted topsoils developed on ultramafic rocks ranges from −0.26 ± 0.09‰ to −0.04 ± 0.05‰ (n = 20). On contrary, non-ultramafic topsoils, close exhibit variation Ni, from −0.19 ± 0.13‰ up 0.10 ± 0.05‰ (n = 4). slight but significant enrichment heavy highlights impact activity surrounding area, as well discerning (heavier values) ones (lighter values). given global published (from −1.03 2.5‰) more particularly those associated weathering (from −0.61 0.32‰), use environmental contamination smelters will remain challenging.