Borek said:Basically decomposition means "converting into simpler compounds" (often inorganic). The inorganic compounds in metals and alloys are already quite simple, so there is nothing to decompose. They will slowly get oxidized though (mostly by natural processes not involving any life forms) till they got the most stable (thermodynamically) form, For some that means conversion into insoluble salts or oxides, for some it means being converted into ionic form, for others (like gold) the most stable form is elemental.
Borek said:Yes, insoluble in water. Some iron salts are soluble, but Fe in general gets quite fast oxidized to Fe(III) and precipitates as a hydroxide, which in turn turns into hydrated oxide (which is the main, red component of rust) and doesn't dissolve in water.
mech-eng said:Are the rust and its main part hydroxide advantagous for the soil and nature?
Why does not iron become oxided when its in the ore before men picked it out?
Borek said:It already is oxidized, which is why most iron ores are reddish.
By smelting. That's what coke is added for - to bind the oxygen.mech-eng said:But if iron ares are already oxidized how can men produce iron from them?
That's what they're doing here:mech-eng said:And this implies that when the iron oxidized after being used, it can be recyclable.
Metals can have a negative impact on soil quality. Depending on the type and concentration of the metal, it can alter the pH level, reduce the availability of nutrients for plants, and potentially harm soil organisms.
Metals can enter the soil through various means such as industrial activities, agricultural practices, and natural weathering of rock and minerals. They can also be introduced through the disposal of waste, such as throwing metals into the soil.
Yes, plants can absorb metals from the soil. Some metals, like iron and zinc, are essential micronutrients for plants. However, high concentrations of other metals, such as lead and mercury, can be toxic to plants and affect their growth and development.
If metals are present in high concentrations in the soil, they can leach into groundwater or be taken up by plants and eventually make their way into the food chain. Ingestion of contaminated food or water can lead to various health issues, including neurological and developmental problems.
Yes, there are various methods for removing or remediating metals in the soil. These include physical methods such as excavation and disposal, chemical methods like soil washing, and biological methods such as phytoremediation where plants are used to absorb and accumulate metals from the soil.