Determination of WAD - Cyanide complexes in Soil Samples from Tuti Island, using FT-IR Spectroscopy

Abstract

The current study was performed to determine the WAD (Weak – Acid- dissociable) cyanide complexes in the various sites around Tuti Island bank in the center of Khartoum State, Sudan. Fourteen soil samples collected and analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy. The spectra of these samples detected some functional groups such as O-H, N-H, C=O, C≡N. Qualitative analysis helped in assessing cyanide complexes and related cyanide compounds ( i.e. cyanates and thiocyanates ) in the samples under test. Results showed that, thiocyanate and cyanate combined with some metals like KOCN, NaSCN, KSCN existed in the area. WAD cyanides appeared at majority of samples.Presence of cyanide complexes in the sediments may produce adverse effects on the ecological system and toxicity to human health because of its ability to dissolved under effects of ample factors as (pH, cyanide species and their relative concentrations), and release free cyanide; free cyanide is very toxic. Also, heavy metals such as Cu, Hg, Au and Agare found in the samples. These metals which are produced from process decomposing of cyanide complexes can accumulate in the soil and lead to long – term negative effects on the ecosystem in high enough concentration.