Distribution of trace elements in coal - Lithotypes from Talcher coalfield, Orissa

Abstract

Trace element distribution in bulk coal and lithotypes viz. durain, fusain, clarain and vitrain in two coal seams of two geological formations of Karharbari and Barakar from Talcher coalfield, Orissa is reported and compared with world coal trace element data. Karharbari coal (seam I) contains higher concentrations of As, Ba, Ce, Cr, Th, U and W than Barakar coal (seam II). On the contrary, coal from seam II has high concentrations of Be, Eu, Hf, Mo, Sb, Sc, Sm, and Zn. In both the formations, durain and clarain contain maximum trace elements including REE in appreciable concentration where as vitrain shows least trace constituents. Positive correlation of ash with Ba, Cs, La, Hf, Th, Rb and Sc indicates inorganic affinity of these trace elements. However Sb, As, Cr and Co show negative relation with ash explaining their organic affinity.