Inorganic Geochemistry of Coal

Inorganic Geochemistry of Coal is essential for understanding its properties to ensure efficient use, encourage economic by-product potential, and minimize negative technological, environmental, and health impacts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2023
Publisher: Elsevier - Health Sciences Division

The study of inorganic geochemistry in coal focuses on several key aspects, including the determination of the concentrations and modes of occurrence of various elements within coal, the exploration of strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of toxic elements on the environment and human health, the identification of elements in coal that have industrial applications, and the utilization of certain elements as valuable indicators for deciphering depositional environments and tectonic evolution. Given the projected increase in coal use over the coming decades, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of its properties to optimize its utilization, promote its economic by-product potential, and minimize its detrimental technological, environmental, and health impacts.

The concentration and distribution of elements in coal are crucial factors that determine its chemical and physical properties. These elements can be classified into two main categories: organic and inorganic. Organic elements, such as carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen, are derived from the organic matter present in coal, while inorganic elements, such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, are present in the mineralogical composition of coal.

Determining the concentrations and modes of occurrence of these elements in coal is essential for understanding its origin, composition, and potential uses. This information can be obtained through various analytical techniques, including elemental analysis, isotope analysis, and geochemical mapping. Elemental analysis involves the measurement of the relative abundance of elements in a sample by mass spectrometry, while isotope analysis involves the analysis of the isotopic composition of elements to determine their origin and age. Geochemical mapping involves the visualization of the distribution of elements in a region using maps and diagrams.

One of the primary objectives of inorganic geochemistry in coal is to identify the toxic elements present in coal and assess their potential impact on human health and the environment. Toxic elements in coal include arsenic, mercury, selenium, and lead, among others. These elements can be harmful to human health if consumed in high concentrations or over an extended period. Therefore, it is essential to develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of these toxic elements on the environment and human health.

One approach to mitigating the adverse effects of toxic elements in coal is to enhance the coal cleaning process. Coal cleaning involves removing impurities from coal, such as ash, sulfur, and other minerals, to improve its combustion quality and reduce emissions. Various techniques, such as flotation, gravity separation, and chemical treatment, can be used to achieve this goal.

Another approach to mitigating the adverse effects of toxic elements in coal is to promote the use of alternative fuels and technologies. For example, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can be used to replace coal-fired power plants. Additionally, carbon capture and storage technologies can be used to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, reducing their environmental impact.

In addition to identifying the toxic elements in coal and developing strategies to mitigate their adverse effects, inorganic geochemistry in coal also plays a crucial role in exploring the industrial applications of certain elements. Coal contains a wide range of elements that have industrial applications, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. These elements are used in various industries, such as steel production, cement production, and fertilizer production.

Iron is one of the most important elements in coal and is used in the production of steel. Steel is a highly versatile metal that is used in a wide range of applications, including construction, transportation, and manufacturing. The iron in coal is extracted through the process of metallurgy, which involves melting the coal, separating the iron from the other minerals, and refining the iron to produce high-quality steel.

Calcium is another important element in coal and is used in the production of cement. Cement is a binding material that is used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. The calcium in coal is extracted through the process of calcination, which involves heating the coal to high temperatures in the absence of air. This process converts the calcium carbonate present in the coal into calcium oxide, which is then used to produce cement.

Magnesium is also an important element in coal and is used in the production of fertilizers. Fertilizers are used to improve soil quality and increase crop yields. The magnesium in coal is extracted through the process of roasting, which involves heating the coal to high temperatures in the presence of air. This process converts the magnesium carbonate present in the coal into magnesium oxide, which is then used to produce fertilizers.

In addition to exploring the industrial applications of certain elements in coal, inorganic geochemistry in coal also plays a crucial role
role in deciphering depositional environments and tectonic evolution. Coal is a sedimentary rock that is formed through the accumulation of organic matter and minerals over millions of years. The composition and distribution of elements in coal can provide valuable insights into the depositional environments and tectonic evolution of the regions in which it was formed.

For example, the presence of certain elements, such as iron and magnesium, can indicate the presence of sedimentary environments, such as marine or coastal environments. The presence of certain isotopes, such as carbon-13 and oxygen-18, can indicate the age and origin of the coal. The presence of certain minerals, such as graphite and pyrite, can indicate the presence of volcanic or geothermal activity in the region.

In conclusion, inorganic geochemistry in coal is a multidisciplinary field that plays a crucial role in understanding the properties of this important fuel, mitigating the adverse effects of toxic elements on the environment and human health, exploring the industrial applications of certain elements, and deciphering depositional environments and tectonic evolution. Given the projected increase in coal use over the coming decades, it is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of its properties to optimize its utilization, promote its economic by-product potential, and minimize its detrimental technological, environmental, and health impacts.

Weight: 1266g
Dimension: 214 x 279 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323956345