Fe-S-C Dynamics: Re-examining the role of reactive iron fractions

Melanie Mertesdorf*, Thomas Wagner, C. März

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Organic and inorganic geochemical investigations were carried out on samples of Kimmeridge Clay from Yorkshire, UK, to examine the Fe-S-C dynamics that created them. These samples have variable bulk and molecular compositions reflecting differing redox conditions, inputs of iron, and organic matter quantity/quality (TOC up to 18wt%, Type I-II/III kerogen). Reactive iron (FeR) availability is a controlling factor on the sequestration of sulphur into inorganic and organic fractions (Raiswell et al., 1993). Organic matter sulphurisation has economic implications but can also bias the interpretation of organic biomarkers (Kohnen et al., 1991). It has been suggested that sulphide buffering by FeR strongly influences biomarker preservation in bitumen (Reinhardt et al., 2018, on isorenieratene). The effect of individual FeR fractions sulphurisation is investigated. In particular, magnetite does not appear to act as FeR in many samples. This could potentially be a function of the terrigenous input (e.g. magnetite grain size), or caused by its lower reactivity affecting its pyritisation behaviour in less persistently reducing environments. Examining the behaviour of FeR fractions under different conditions and their effects on organic matter sulphurisation is essential to improving our understanding of FeR and biomarker proxies and their biases.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication1st EAGE/IFPEN Conference on Sulfur Risk Management in Exploration and Production
PublisherEAGE Publishing BV
ISBN (Electronic)9789462822665
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Sept 2018
Event1st EAGE/IFPEN Conference on Sulfur Risk Management in Exploration and Production 2018 - Rueil-Malmaison, France
Duration: 18 Sept 201820 Sept 2018

Conference

Conference1st EAGE/IFPEN Conference on Sulfur Risk Management in Exploration and Production 2018
Abbreviated titleSRM 2018
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityRueil-Malmaison
Period18/09/1820/09/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geology
  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • General Environmental Science

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