SEA CHANGE
Australia’s love of coastal living is leading to some serious environmental problems, as more and more Australians are choosing to build along coastal areas. This is leading to the leaching of acid soils, which is degrading our coastline, marine life and infra-structure.
Australian coastal soils have a high Pyrite content and when disturbed through excavation and construction is leading to the natural production of sulphuric acid, which is then washed down to the rivers and sea causing heavy environmental damage.
What is Pyrite?
Pyrite (FeS2) is a common mineral found in soils around the coast of Australia. It is brass yellow in colour and has a metallic lustre. In industry, Pyrite is used to manufacture sulphuric acid (H2S04), which is widely used in the production of fertilisers, steel, explosives and petrochemicals.
In soil Pyrite is relatively benign, but when disturbed and exposed, it reacts with oxygen and water in the environment to produce sulphuric acid.