Sulfur isotopic fractionation between sulfur and sulfuric acid in the hydrothermal solution of sulfur dioxide

Abstract

Sulfur and sulfur compounds involved in the chemical reaction, 3H2SO3 = 2H2SO4+S+H2O in the temperature range from 150 to 300°C have been quantitatively determined. After the disproportionation reaction of sulfurous acid is completed, sulfur decreases according to the chemical reaction, 4S+4H20 = 3H2S+H2SO4. These two reactions may be responsible for the production of sulfuric acid in hot spring water. 34S is enriched in sulfuric acid and depleted in sulfur revealing 16.1 to 21.1% fractionation between them. This would account for the enrichment of 34S in sulfuric acid encountered in hot spring water. © 1966, GEOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN. All rights reserved.