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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Toxic substances from coal combustion - forms of occurrence analyses. Semi-annual report, April 30, 1996--November 1, 1996

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/492102· OSTI ID:492102

The overall objective of this project is to provide analytical support for the Physical Sciences, Inc. (PSI) effort being performed under DOE Contract No. DE-AC22-95101 and entitled `` Toxic Substances from Coal Combustion - A Comprehensive Assessment``. The Pittsburgh Elkhorn/Hazard, and Illinois No. 6 program coals have been examined to determine the mode of occurrence of selected trace elements using scanning electron microscopy, microprobe analysis, and experimental leaching procedures. Preliminary microprobe data indicates that the arsenic content of pyrite grains in the Illinois No. 6 (0.0-0.027 ppm As) and Pittsburgh (0.0-0.080 ppm As) coals is similar. Pyrite grains observed in the Elkhorn/Hazard coal generally have arsenic concentrations (0.0-0.272 wt. %As) that are slightly higher than those of the Pittsburgh or Illinois No. 6 coals. One pyrite grain observed in the Elkhorn/Hazard coal contained much higher levels of arsenic (approximately 2 wt. % As). Preliminary microprobe analyses and data from leaching experiments indicate the association of arsenic with pyrite in the Pittsburgh and Illinois No. 6 coals. Leaching data for arsenic in the Elkhorn/Hazard coal, in contrast, is inconclusive and additional data are needed before a definite determination can be made.

Research Organization:
Geological Survey, Reston, VA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AI22-95PC95145
OSTI ID:
492102
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/95145--T4; ON: DE97052558
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English