Inorganic Geochemistry of Coal

Book excerpt: Inorganic Geochemistry of Coal explains how to determine the concentrations and modes of occurrence of elements in coal, how to diminish adverse effects of toxic elements on the environment and human health, which elements in coal could be industrially utilized, and which elements can be successfully used as indications for deciphering depositional environments and tectonic evolution. As coal use will remain at an all-time high for the next several decades, there is a critical need for understanding the properties of this fuel to ensure efficient use, encourage its economic by-product potential, and to help minimize its negative technological, environmental and health impacts. - Features dozens of never-before published illustrations of critical features of the inorganic geochemistry of coal - Covers both the theory and applications of the topic, including case studies to serve as real-world examples - Includes a chapter on the health and environmental impacts of the mining, development and use of coal