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Systematic characterization of selenium speciation in coal fly ash

Journal Article · · Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/d4em00398e· OSTI ID:2476068
Millions of tons of coal fly ashes (CFAs) are produced annually during coal combustion in the U.S., which are commonly beneficially used in the concrete industry or disposed of in ash ponds. CFAs contain trace amounts of a range of toxic heavy metals including selenium (Se). Because the toxicity of Se is dependent on its speciation, investigating Se speciation in CFAs as affected by coal source and combustion conditions can help understand the related environmental and human health impacts during disposal or beneficial reuse. In this study, a set of representative CFA samples were characterized for Se speciation using synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and micro-X-ray fluorescence spectromicroscopy (μ-XRF/XAS). Se-containing particles were highly heterogeneous, and individual particles might contain multiple oxidation states including Se(0), Se(IV), and Se(VI). Principal component analysis was performed for sample characteristics including Al2O3, SiO2, CaO, FeO, loss on ignition, average particle size, Se concentration, and Se oxidation state. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR), which is used to limit nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions during coal combustion, was found to be associated with the presence of reduced Se oxidation states, with up to 90% Se(0) observed in samples with SCR. Alongside SCR, FeO content may also influence Se speciation.
Research Organization:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities (SUF)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357; AC02-76SF00515; FE0031739; SC0012704
OSTI ID:
2476068
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 2575058
OSTI ID: 2584782
Journal Information:
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, Journal Name: Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 26; ISSN 2050-7887; ISSN 2050-7895
Publisher:
Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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