摘要
The mineralogy and trace element contents in coals from the West Bokaro coalfield, which is the one of the biggest Gondwana coalfields of India, were studied to delineate enrichment of trace elements and their modes of occur- rence. Elemental concentrations with reference to their crustal abundances indicated that coals are relatively enriched in As (4.4-15.5 mg/kg), Cd (0.3-3.0 mg/kg), Cu (28.0-68.1 mg/kg) and V (46.6-178.0 mg/kg); depleted in Co (10.8-28.4 mg/ kg), Mn (7.6-483.4 mg/kg), Ni (13.0-31.6 mg/kg), Cr (14.2-85.5 mg/kg) and Zn (5.25-70.4 mg/kg). The concentration of As, Cd, Co, Cu and V were higher than the average values of world and Indian coals. Mineralogical study carried out by X-ray diffraction shows that quartz and kaolinite occur as dominant mineral phases in this coal. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy pattern suggests organic structures primarily containing aromatic nuclei, aliphatic side chain and some oxygen containing groups. The modes of occurrence of trace elements present in these coals have been determined through statistical approach. Both Cu and Cr are more closely associated with mineral matter, whereas Co is dominantly present with its organic form. The concentrations of Cd, Mn, Ni, Zn, As and V have apparently occur in both organic and inorganic constituents. This study would be helpful to assess the potential environmental impacts during mining and combustion of this coal.