Trace Elements in Coal

This book encompasses many aspects of trace elements in coal and is based on a consideration of a vast array of publications. As well as direct references to trace elements in coal, relevant references from allied fields are given where necessary for explanations or comparison. Much of the information is from the past decade, in keeping with the upsurge of interest in most countries where coal is produced or used. However, pertinent earlier work, especially that of the pioneer V.M.Goldschmidt (Swaine, 1988), has not been neglected. Perhaps the main impetus for knowledge of trace elements in coal is now the evironmental aspects arising from the mining, treatment and usage of coal. This book is intended to be a concise, yet complete, reference work for the specialist and for the tiro, as well as being a handbook for coal technologists and for coal scientists Trace Elements in Coal focuses on the compositions, reactions, and properties of trace elements in coal. The book first discusses the origin of trace elements in coal. The formation of peat; geological and geochemical aspects of coal seams; geology of Australian coals; constitution of coal; history of trace elements in coal; and coal mining in Australia are discussed. The text also clarifies the mode of occurrence of trace elements in coal. The identification of minerals in coal; silicon-rich minerals; carbonate minerals; sulfide minerals; lignites and brown coals; and phosphates are discussed. The book then underscores the methods of analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry; atomic absorption spectrometry; spark source mass spectrometry; and neuron activation analysis are described. The text also focuses on the contents of trace elements in coal; comparisons of coal with shale and soil; relationship of radioactivity and coal; and relevance of trace elements in coal. The book is a good source of data for readers wanting to study the trace elements in coal. Content: Dedication , Page ii Front Matter , Page iii Copyright , Page iv Preface , Pages v-vi Abbreviations , Pages xi-xiii Chapter 1 - Introduction , Pages 1-7 Chapter 2 - Origin of trace elements in coal , Pages 8-26 Chapter 3 - Mode of occurrence of trace elements in coal , Pages 27-49 Chapter 4 - Methods of analysis , Pages 50-76 Chapter 5 - Contents of trace elements in coals , Pages 77-183 Chapter 6 - Comparisons of coal with shale and soil , Pages 184-186 Chapter 7 - Variations within seams , Pages 187-191 Chapter 8 - Radioactivity and coal , Pages 192-195 Chapter 9 - Relevance of trace elements in coal , Pages 196-214 Chapter 10 - Concluding remarks , Pages 215-217 Chapter 11 - References , Pages 218-278 All aspects of trace elements in coal are covered, based on an array of publications. Direct references to trace elements in coal are made and relevant references from allied fields are given where necessary. The environmental aspects arising from the mining of coal are also examined.