6
Bismuth [Bi, 83]

6.1 INTRODUCTION
Bismuth (Bi) is a metal of the group 15 in the periodic table of elements and reveals
both lithophilic and chalcophilic properties. Its contents on the Earth’s upper crust
range from 0.06 to 0.17 mg/kg. In sedimentary rocks, Bi contents are a little bit
higher, up to 0.5 mg/kg. It is likely to concentrate in coal and graphite shales, up to
5 mg/kg. Its increased levels in volcanic emissions are reported (Ferrari et al. 2000).
Bismuth occurs mainly at +3 oxidation state. At the +5 oxidation state, it is likely
to form stable compounds such as NaBiO 6 and BiF 5 . Its common minerals are bismuthinite (Bi 2 S 3 ) and bismite (Bi 2 O 3 ). Bismuth may be concentrated at host minerals, such as galena, sphalerite, and chalcopirite. It naturally occurs as metal, and its
crystals are present in the sulfide ores of some metals such as Ni, Co, Sn, and Ag.
World mine production (without the United States) of Bi in 2010 was 7600 t, of
which China produced 5100 t (USGS 2011). Bismuth is also obtained from old scraps
and as a by-product from Pb and Cu smelting, especially in the United States. Bi has
varied industrial uses, especially in the production of low-melting shot, shotguns,
glass, and ceramics. Bi compounds are used as catalysts in manufacturing synthetic
fibers and rubbers. Some of its compounds are used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic
production. Bismuth is an environmental-friendly substitute for Pb in plumbing and
many other applications.
6.2 SOILS
Average Bi content in worldwide soils is estimated at 0.42 mg/kg; however, there are
not much data on its occurrence in soils. Bismuth content in Polish soils is within
the range of 0.03–0.45 mg/kg, and is associated mainly with the clay-soil fraction
(Pasieczna 2012). Therefore, its content in heavy loamy soils is much higher than in
medium loamy soils (Table 6.1).
In some soils derived from rocks of increased Bi contents, its levels may be higher.
In ferralitic soils, it may be concentrated up to 10 mg/kg (Kabata-Pendias and
Mukherjee 2007). Background Bi content in Slovakian soils is given as 1.3 mg/kg, but
also concentration up to 37.2 mg/kg is reported (Čurlik and Šefčik 1999). In raw humus
of some soils, Bi concentration at 92 mg/kg is reported (Tyler 2005). According to Hou
et al. (2006), Bi is fixed mainly by Fe and Mn oxides and soluble organic matter. Thus,
an increase of Bi in soil horizons rich in these compounds should be expected.
Sewage sludge and some P fertilizers are often a significant source of Bi in soils.
According to Eriksson (2001a), Bi concentrations in materials used for soil amendments are as follows (in mg/kg): sewage sludge, 0.73; manure, 0.72; P fertilizers,
0.18. Additional source of Bi in soils, in Canada, are pellet, for which production is
used, Bi instead of Pb (Fahey et al. 2008).
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