Trace Elements in Coal


Book Description

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.










Methods for Analysis of Trace Elements in Coal, Coal Fly Ash, Soil, and Plant Samples. [59 Refs].


Book Description

Results of a literature search are presented, and analytical methods are proposed for studies of trace elements in coal, coal ash residue, soil, and vegetation. Increased trace element levels in soils and plants collected near power plants have been reported by several investigators. Many sample dissolution and analysis techniques were used in the reported studies. A nine-laboratory comparison of trace element analyses for a variety of methods showed excessive variation relative to quoted uncertainty limits. Analysis results from a subsequent four-laboratory comparison of instrumental nuclear techniques for trace element analysis agreed with the National Bureau of Standards certified values for all nine elements determined. Instrumental neutron activation analysis, spark source mass spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectrometry are proposed as primary analysis methods for coal, coal ash, soil, and plants in a Savannah River Laboratory study of trace elements. Bomb procedures are proposed for dissolution of samples.










Survey Analyses of Trace Elements in Water by Spark Source Mass Spectrometry


Book Description

The potential role of spark source mass spectrometry in water quality surveillance is perhaps not as widely appreciated as it should be. In this paper an attempt is made to explain what is unique about the technique and how it can augment other more widely used methods of analysis in the study of inorganic constituents of water.




Multielement Analysis of Environmental Samples by Spark Source Mass Spectrometry


Book Description

"A spark source mass spectrometer that uses electronic detection and a dedicated data analysis system was applied to a survey type trace analysis for chemical elements. Errors in the data system software were identified and corrected. Modifications to the system permit identification and quantitation of 72 elements at the aprt per billion level in water samples.""--P ii.