Fast and effective removal of elemental mercury in a wide temperature range is critical for the smelting industry. In this work, a recyclable magnetic iron sulfide/selenide sorbent is developed to capture and recover Hg 0 from smelting flue gas. Benefiting from Se doping, the Hg 0 capture performance of prepared FeS x Se y is significantly enhanced compared with traditional iron sulfide, especially at high temperatures. Considering the recyclability and working temperature, FeS 1.32 Se 0.11 exhibits the best Hg 0 capture performance. The average capture rate of FeS 1.32 Se 0.11 is 3.661 μg/g/min at 80 °C and its saturation adsorption capacity is 20.216 mg/g. The flue gas compositions have almost no effect on Hg 0 capture. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mercury thermal programmed desorption suggest that the stable active Se−S n 2− adsorption site can combine with Hg 0 to form HgSe, consequently improving Hg 0 capture performance at high temperatures. After Hg 0 capture, the spent FeS x Se y can be collected by magnetic separation and regenerated through selective extraction, which facilitates harmless treatment and resource reuse of mercury. With the advantages of excellent Hg 0 capture performance, wide operating temperature range, and remarkable recycling property, FeS x Se y microparticles may be a promising sorbent for Hg 0 capture in industrial applications, while opening a new avenue to realize the resource utilization toward toxic elements.

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In recent years, international research on the toxicity of the heavy metal, antimony, has gradually changed focus from early medical and pharmacological toxicology to environmental toxicology and ecotoxicology. However, little research has been conducted for sources identification and risk management of heavy metals pollution by long-term antimony mining activities. In this study, a large number of investigations were conducted on the temporal and spatial distribution of antimony and related heavy metal contaminants (lead, zinc, and arsenic), as well as on the exposure risks for the population for the Yuxi river basin in the Hunan province, China. The scope of the investigations included mine water, waste rock, tailings, agricultural soil, surface water, river sediments, and groundwater sources of drinking water. Health and ecological risks from exposure to heavy metal pollution were evaluated. The main pollution sources of heavy metals in the Yuxi River basin were analyzed. Remediation programs and risk management strategies for heavy metal pollution were consequently proposed. This article provides a scientific basis for the risk assessment and management of heavy metal pollution caused by antimony basin ore mining.

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