Elucidation of the mechanism of reaction between S2O8(2-), Selenite and Mn2+ in aqueous solution and limestone-gypsum FGD liquor.

The mechanism of reaction between peroxodisulfate ion (S2O8(2-)), selenite (Se(IV)O3(2-)) and Mn(2+) as an inhibitor of selenite oxidation was studied using aqueous solutions composed of commercial reagents, as well as limestone-gypsum flue gas desulfurization (FGD) liquors sampled from coal fired power plants. The oxidation of selenite to selenate (Se(VI)O4(2-)) is promoted by the sulfate ion radical (SO4(-)) which results from decomposition of S2O8(2-). In the presence of Mn(2+), selenite oxidation was prevented due to the difference in rates of reaction with SO4(-). The ratio of the oxidation rate constants of selenite and Mn(2+) with SO4(-) was determined over a temperature range of 40-60 °C, and was found to be little influenced by the various coexisting components in FGD liquors.