Releases of coal liquefaction products in inland waters

Technical Report · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:5207797

Giddings, J M; Herbes, S E; Gehrs, C W

Chemical and physical differences between coal-derived oils (especially those produced by direct liquefaction processes) and crude or refined petroleum would result in significant differences in the behavior of the oils after release into rivers or lakes. Phenolic compounds are abundant in many coal liquids but not in petroleum; these compounds dissolve rapidly in water and are toxic to aquatic life. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic amines, and other insoluble oil constituents could accumulate in bottom sediments, from which they could be taken up by organisms and cause long-term ecological effects. Through laboratory studies, simulation modeling, and field experiments, information has been developed that supports a preliminary evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of coal liquid spills. Releases of crude products into large rivers would probably cause relatively little immediate ecological damage, but spills in lakes, embayments, and other semienclosed water bodies could have serious effects. Product upgrading by hydrotreatment or distillation can be expected to reduce the environmental hazards of coal-derived oils.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5207797
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-9535; ON: DE86001467
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
010800* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Waste Management
520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AMINES
AROMATICS
COAL LIQUEFACTION
COAL LIQUIDS
CONTAMINATION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LIQUEFACTION
LIQUIDS
MANAGEMENT
OIL SPILLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
PHENOLS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
SIMULATION
SURFACE WATERS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TOXICITY
WASTE MANAGEMENT