Oxygen depletion studies in the Electrical Power Research Institute, Compressed Air Energy Storage Facility, Pittsfield, Illinois

A series of measurements were made to determine the capability of some montmorillonites, illite, pyrite, and clayey sandstones to deplete dissolved oxygen from water. The parameters monitored were dissolved oxygen content, redox potential, and pH. Some clays, iron pyrites, and clayey sandstones did deplete oxygen from an oxygen enriched aqueous solution. Of the properties measured, pH seems to the controlling factor on a mineral's capability to deplete oxygen. Pyrite will deplete oxygen in a neutral or basic environment but not in an acidic environment. Some clays and illite bearing sandstones deplete oxygen when the aqueous environment is acidic but not when it is basic.