Trace Elements in Coal

Book excerpt: Trace Elements in Coal focuses on the compositions, reactions, and properties of trace elements in coal. The book first discusses the origin of trace elements in coal. The formation of peat; geological and geochemical aspects of coal seams; geology of Australian coals; constitution of coal; history of trace elements in coal; and coal mining in Australia are discussed. The text also clarifies the mode of occurrence of trace elements in coal. The identification of minerals in coal; silicon-rich minerals; carbonate minerals; sulfide minerals; lignites and brown coals; and phosphates are discussed. The book then underscores the methods of analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry; atomic absorption spectrometry; spark source mass spectrometry; and neuron activation analysis are described. The text also focuses on the contents of trace elements in coal; comparisons of coal with shale and soil; relationship of radioactivity and coal; and relevance of trace elements in coal. The book is a good source of data for readers wanting to study the trace elements in coal.