Novel pathway of chalcopyrite formation at low temperature in microenvironments of acidic, metal-rich sediments
Andrey M. Ilin (University of the Basque Country, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen)
Iñaki Yusta (University of the Basque Country)
Maxim Ilyn (Centro de Física de Materiales - UPV/EHU & CSIC)
Ana Martinez-Amesti (University of the Basque Country)
Charlotte van der Graaf (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)
Irene Sánchez-Andrea (IE University Segovia)
Andreas Scheinost (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)
Damien Prieur (Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility)
Andrea Sorrentino (ALBA Synchrotron Light Facility)
Robert Oliete (ALBA Synchrotron Light Facility)
Zhiquan Li (Lakehead University)
Weiduo Hao (Northwest University)
Yuhao Li (University of Alberta)
Daniel Alessi (University of Alberta)
Kurt O. Konhauser (University of Alberta)
Javier Sánchez-España (Centro de Astrobiología - CSIC)
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Abstract
Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) is the main source of copper worldwide and is usually formed at high temperature. Its occurrence at low temperature is poorly documented, and the mechanisms controlling its formation remain uncertain. We found evidences of chalcopyrite formation in acidic pit lake sediments at ~ 12 °C. Using high-resolution electron microscopy and synchrotron-based spectroscopy, we observed aggregates of nanoscale crystals with the composition and structure of disordered chalcopyrite. Laboratory incubations at 20 °C and geochemical modelling suggest that microbial activity may contribute to chalcopyrite formation under these conditions. Particularly, crystal growth was associated with hollow structures resembling microbial cell surfaces, and on the membranes of eukaryotic-like cells, providing nucleation sites. Our findings suggest that microbial processes, including the production of hydrogen sulfide and the presence of organic surfaces, promote chalcopyrite formation at low temperature. This has implications for understanding copper and sulfur cycling and its potential biotechnological application in sulfidic environments.
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