Selenium And Arsenic Speciation in Fly Ash From Full-Scale Coal-Burning Utility Plants

Journal Article · Mon Jul 09 04:00:00 EDT 2007 · Environ.Sci.Tech.41:3284-3289,2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es062069y· OSTI ID:909807

Huggins, F E; Senior, C L; Chu, P; Ladwig, K; Huffman, G P

X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy has been used to determine directly the oxidation states and speciation of selenium and arsenic in 10 fly ash samples collected from full-scale utility plants. Such information is needed to assess the health risk posed by these elements in fly ash and to understand their behavior during combustion and in fly ash disposal options, such as sequestration in tailings ponds. Selenium is found predominantly as Se(IV) in selenite (SeO{sub 3}{sup 2-}) species, whereas arsenic is found predominantly as As(V) in arsenate (AsO{sub 4}{sup 3-}) species. Two distinct types of selenite and arsenate spectra were observed depending upon whether the fly ash was derived from eastern U.S. bituminous (Fe-rich) coals or from western subbituminous or lignite (Ca-rich) coals. Similar spectral details were observed for both arsenic and selenium in the two different types of fly ash, suggesting that the post-combustion behavior and capture of both of these elements are likely controlled by the same dominant element or phase in each type of fly ash.

• Research Organization: Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76SF00515
• OSTI ID: 909807
• Report Number(s): SLAC-REPRINT-2007-087
• Journal Information: Environ.Sci.Tech.41:3284-3289,2007, Journal Name: Environ.Sci.Tech.41:3284-3289,2007 Vol. 41; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
ABSORPTION
ARSENATES
ARSENIC
COMBUSTION
FINE STRUCTURE
FLY ASH
LIGNITE
Other
OTHER
PONDS
SELENITES
SELENIUM
SPECTRA
SPECTROSCOPY
TAILINGS