Determination of trace elements in high purity nickel by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The contents ofMg, Al, Si, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Ga, As, Se, Cd, Sb, Pb and Bi in high purity nickel were determined by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （HR-ICP-MS）. The sample was dissolved in HNO3 and HCI by microwave digestion. Most of the spectral interferences could be avoided by measuring in the high resolution mode. The matrix effects because of the presence of excess HC1 and nickel were evaluated. Correction for matrix effects was made using Sc, Rh and T1 as internal standards. The optimum conditions for the determination were tested and discussed. The detection limits range from 0.012 to 1.76 ~tg/g depending on the type of elements. The applicability of the proposed method is also validated by the analysis of high purity nickel reference material （NIST SRM 671）. The relative standard deviation （RSD） is less than 3.3%. Results for determination of trace elements in high purity nickel were presented.

Genesis of the Nuri Cu-W-Mo Deposit,Tibet,China:Constraints from in situ Trace Elements and Sr Isotopic Analysis of Scheelite

The Nuri deposit is the only Cu-W-Mo polymetallic deposit with large-scale WO3 resources in the eastern section of the Gangdese metallogenic belt,Tibet,China.However,the genetic type of this deposit has been controversial since its discovery.Based on a study of the geological characteristics of the deposit,this study presents mineralization stages,focusing on the oxide stage and the quartz-sulfide stage where scheelite is mainly formed,referred to as Sch-A and Sch-B,respectively.Through LA-ICP-MS trace element and Sr isotope analyses,the origin,evolutionary process of the oreforming fluid and genesis of the ore deposit are investigated.Scanning Electron Microscope-Cathodoluminescence(SEMCL)observations reveal that Sch-A consists of three generations,with dark gray homogenous Sch-A1 being replaced by relatively lighter and homogeneous Sch-A2 and Sch-A3,with Sch-A2 displaying a gray CL image color with vague and uneven growth bands and Sch-A3 has a light gray CL image color with hardly any growth band.In contrast,Sch-B exhibits a‘core-rim’structure,with the core part(Sch-B1)being dark gray and displaying a uniform growth band,while the rim part(Sch-B2)is light gray and homogeneous.The normalized distribution pattern of rare earth elements in scheelite and Sr isotope data suggest that the early ore-forming fluid in the Nuri deposit originated from granodiorite porphyry and,later on,some country rock material was mixed in,due to strong water-rock interaction.Combining the O-H isotope data further indicates that the ore-forming fluid in the Nuri deposit originated from magmatic-hydrothermal sources,with contributions from metamorphic water caused by water-rock interaction during the mineralization process,as well as later meteoric water.The intense water-rock interaction likely played a crucial role in the precipitation of scheelite,leading to varying Eu anomalies in different generations of scheelite from the oxide stage to the quartz-sulfide stage,while also causing a gradual decrease in oxygen fugacity(fO2)and a slow rise in pH value.Additionally,the high Mo and low Sr contents in the scheelite are consistent with typical characteristics of magmatic-hydrothermal scheelite.Therefore,considering the geological features of the deposit,the geochemical characteristics of scheelite and the O-H isotope data published previously,it can be concluded that the genesis of the Nuri deposit belongs to porphyry-skarn deposit.

Paleoenvironmental Characteristics of Paleogene Lacustrine Source Rocks in the Western Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China:Evidence from Biomarkers,Major and Trace Elements

The organic matter(OM)enrichment mechanisms and depositional environment characteristics of lacustrine source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin in Northeast China remain controversial.To address these issues,based on Rock-Eval pyrolysis,kerogen macerals,H/C and O/C ratios,GC-MS,major and trace elements,the Dongying Formation Member(Mbr)3(E_(3)d_(3)),the Shahejie Formation mbrs 1 and 2(E_(2)s_(1+2)),and the Shahejie Mbr 3(E_(2)s_(3))source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag were studied.The above methods were used to reveal their geochemical properties,OM origins and depositional environments,all of which indicate that E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are excellent source rocks,and that E_(3)d_(3)is of the second good quality.E_(3)d_(3)source rocks were formed under a warm and humid climate,mainly belong to fluvial/delta facies,the E_(3)d_(3)sediments formed under weakly oxidizing and freshwater conditions.Comparatively,the depositional environments of E_(2)s_(1+2)source rocks were arid and cold climate,representing saline or freshwater lacustrine facies,and the sediments of E_(2)s_(1+2)belong to anoxic or suboxic settings with large evaporation and salinity.During the period of E_(2)s_(3),the climate became warm and humid,indicating the freshwater lacustrine facies,and E_(2)s_(3)was characterized by freshwater and abundant algae.Moreover,compared with other intervals,the OM origin of E_(3)d_(3)source rocks has noticeable terrestrial input.The OM origin of the E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are mainly plankton and bacteria.Tectonic subsidence and climate change have affected the changes of the depositional environment in the western Bozhong Sag,thus controlling the distribution of the source rocks,the geochemical characteristics in the three intervals of lacustrine source rocks have distinct differences.Overall,these factors are effective to evaluate the paleoenvironmental characteristics of source rocks by biomarkers,major and trace elements.The established models may have positive implications for research of lacustrine source rocks in offshore areas with few drillings.

Trace elements in magmatic and hydrothermal quartz:Implications on the genesis of the Xingluokeng Tungsten Deposit,South China

The Xingluokeng deposit is the largest gran-ite-related tungsten deposit within the Wuyi metallogenic belt in South China.The Xingluokeng intrusion primarily consists of porphyritic biotite granite,biotite granite,andfine-grained granite.The deposit is represented by veinlet-disseminated mineralization with K-feldspathization and biotitization,alongside quartz-vein mineralization with gre-isenization and sericitization.This study investigates in-situ analyses of quartz compositions from both the intrusion and hydrothermal veinlets and veins.Trace element correlations indicate that trivalent Al^(3+)and Fe^(3+)replace Si^(4+)within the quartz lattice,with monovalent cations(such as Li^(+),Na^(+),and K^(+))primarily serving as charge compensators.Low Ge/Al ratios(<0.013)of quartz from granites suggest a mag-matic origin.The low Al/Ti and Ge/Ti ratios,accompanied by high Ti contents in quartz,suggest that the porphyritic biotite granite and biotite granite are characterized by rela-tively low levels of differentiation and high crystallization temperatures.In contrast,thefine-grained granite exhibits a higher degree of fractionation,lower crystallization tem-peratures,and a closer association with tungsten miner-alization.Ti contents in quartz from quartz veins indicate Qz-Ⅰformed at temperatures above 400°C,while Qz-Ⅱto Qz-Ⅴformed at temperatures below 350°C.Variations in different generations of quartz,as indicated by Al content and(Al+Fe)/(Li+Na+K)ratio,suggest that Qz-Ⅰprecipi-tated from a less acidicfluid with a stable pH,whereas Qz-Ⅱto Qz-Ⅴoriginated from a more acidicfluid with notable pH variations.Consequently,alkaline alteration and acidic alteration supplied the essential Ca and Fe for the precipita-tion of scheelite and wolframite,respectively,highlighting a critical mechanism in tungsten mineralization at the Xin-gluokeng deposit.

Weathering and accumulation of trace elements in the soils of the Porali Plain, Balochistan: repercussions in agriculture

This study is thefirst attempt to assess the nature of the soil,especially on the western side of the Porali Plain in Balochistan;a new emerging agriculture hub,using weathering and pollution indices supplemented by multi-variate analysis based on geochemical data.The outcomes of this study are expected to help farmers in soil manage-ment and selecting suitable crops for the region.Twenty-five soil samples were collected,mainly from the arable land of the Porali Plain.After drying and coning-quarter-ing,soil samples were analyzed for major and trace ele-ments using the XRF technique;sieving and hydrometric methods were employed for granulometric analysis.Esti-mated data were analyzed using Excel,SPSS,and Surfer software to calculate various indices,correlation matrix,and spatial distribution.The granulometric analysis showed that 76%of the samples belonged to loam types of soil,12%to sand type,and 8%to silt type.Weathering indices:CIA,CIW,PIA,PWI,WIP,CIX,and ICV were calculated to infer the level of alteration.These indices reflect mod-erate to intense weathering;supported by K_(2)O/AI_(2)O_(3),Rb/K_(2)O,Rb/Ti,and Rb/Sr ratios.Assessment of the geo-ac-cumulation and Nemerow Pollution indices pinpoint rela-tively high concentrations of Pb,Ni,and Cr concentration in the soils.The correlation matrix and Principal Compo-nent Analysis show that the soil in this study area is mainly derived from the weathering of igneous rocks of Bela Ophiolite(Cretaceous age)and Jurassic sedimentary rocks of Mor Range having SEDEX/MVT type mineralization.Weathering may result in the undesirable accumulation of certain trace elements which adversely affects crops.

The abundance,distribution,and enrichment mechanism of harmful trace elements in coals from Guizhou,Southwestern China

Coal seams can enrich a variety of harmful trace elements under specific geological conditions.The spatial distribution of harmful trace elements in coal is extremely uneven,and the distribution characteristics of each element content are different.The harmful elements released in the process of coal mining and utilization will cause serious harm to the environment and the human body.It is of great resource significance to study the geochemistry of coal that affects the enrichment and distribution characteristics of harmful trace elements.Based on the domestic and foreign literature on coal geochemistry in Guizhou published by previous investigators,this study counted 1097 sample data from 23 major coal-producing counties in Guizhou Province,systematically summarized the relevant research results of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou,and revealed the overall distribution and enrichment characteristics of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou.The results show that the average contents of Cd,Pb,Se,Cu,Mo,U,V,As,Hg,and Cr in coal of Guizhou are higher than those in Chinese coal and world coal.A variety of harmful trace elements in the coal of Guizhou have high background values,especially in Liupanshui,Xingyi and Qianbei coalfield.The enrichment of various harmful trace elements in the Late Permian coal in Guizhou is mainly related to the combined action of various geological and geochemical factors.The supply of terrigenous debris and sedimentary environment may be the basic background of the enrichment of harmful elements in western Guizhou,while low-temperature hydrothermal activity and volcanic ash deposition may be the main reasons for the enrichment of harmful elements in southwestern Guizhou.

Mobility of Major and Trace Elements during the Bauxitization Processes in Ngaoundal Area (Adamawa Cameroon): Implication on Mining Perspectives

This study was focused to assess major and trace elements in bauxitic duricrusts from Ngaoundal and its surroundings in order to establish their mining interest. To this end, fieldworks, mineralogical and geochemical analyses were carried out. Four facies of duricrust were identified and characterized from the summit to the top of the slope of the Ngaoundal mountain: scoriaceous, pisolitic, nodular and massive. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses performed on 16 samples, revealed a significant concentration of Al2O3 mainly in the scoriaceous facies (over 45% in grade), moderate in Fe2O3 (averaging 23.69%) and SiO2 (averaging 21.7%). Trace elements were generally low, excluding Cr (421 ppm on average), Zr (327 ppm on average and V (213 ppm on average). In addition, the limited quantities of alkalis (Na2O, K2O) and alkaline earths metals (MgO, CaO) coupled with the very high values of Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) and Mineralogical Index of Alteration (MIA), (more than 99%) attest to the intense weathering of the studied materials. Allitization and monosiallitization constituted the crystallochemical phenomena that have led to the development of bauxitic minerals. More than 90% of gibbsite in scoriaceous facies, 52.21% - 76.01% of kaolinite in pisolitic facies and more than 40% of hematite in nodular facies were quantified. The relationships between the constitutive components indicated their interdependency during the bauxitization phenomenon. The mineralogical and geochemical properties highlighted the mining interest of the studied duricrusts to be valorized.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in the Soil of Typical Peach Orchards in Zunyi City

[Objectives]This study was conducted to clarify the enrichment and paucity of trace elements in the soil environment of peach orchards in Zunyi City,and to provide reference for supplementary application of microelement fertilizers and high-quality peach production in peach orchards.[Methods]Taking the soil of three typical peach orchards(Taoli Renjia peach orchard,Pengrui peach orchard and Taohuadao peach orchard)in Shenxi Town,Honghuagang District,Zunyi City as the research object,the contents of trace elements in soil were analyzed through field sampling and indoor determination of trace elements.[Results]The effective contents of trace elements in the soil of peach orchard bases in the study area were at a medium level,and the soil of the peach orchards was rich in available Fe and Se.The contents of available Cu,Mo and Mn were relatively rich.The contents of available B were not high overall.The contents of available Zn were at a moderate to low level overall.The soil of Taoli Renjia peach orchard was relatively rich in trace elements.[Conclusions]The research results can provide a scientific basis for the production of high-quality crispy peaches in peach orchards.

Distribution, health and ecological risk assessments of trace elements in Nigerian oil sands

The Nigerian oil sands represent the largest oil sand deposit in Africa, yet there is little published information on the distribution and potential health and ecological risks of trace elements in the oil resource. In the present study, we investigated the distribution pattern of 18trace elements(including biophile and chalcophile elements) as well as the estimated risks associated with exposure to these elements. The results of the study indicated that Fe was the most abundant element, with a mean concentration of 22,131 mg/kg while Br had the lowest mean concentration of 48 mg/kg. The high occurrence of Fe and Ti suggested a possible occurrence of ilmenite(Fe TiO_(3)) in the oil sands. Source apportionment using positive matrix factorization showed that the possible sources of detected elements in the oil sands were geogenic, metal production, and crustal. The contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, modified degree of contamination, pollution load index, and Nemerow pollution index indicated that the oil sands are heavily polluted by the elements. Health risk assessment showed that children were relatively more susceptible to the potentially toxic elements in the oil sands principally via ingestion exposure route(HQ > 1E-04). Cancer risks from inhalation are unlikely due to CR < 1E-06 but ingestion and dermal contact pose severe risks(CR > 1E-04). The high concentrations of the elements pose serious threats due to the potential for atmospheric transport, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability.

Ore-forming mechanism of Huxu Au-dominated polymetallic deposit in the Dongxiang Basin,South China:Constraints from in-situ trace elements and S-Pb isotopes of pyrite

The Huxu Au-dominated polymetallic deposit is a hydrothermal deposit located in the Dongxiang volcanic basin in the middle section of the Gan-Hang tectonic belt in South China.The orebodies primarily occur within the Jurassic-Cretaceous quartz diorite porphyry,while the genesis of this deposit is unclear.This study focused on geological and mineralogical characteristics,in-situ trace elements and S-Pb isotopes of three generations of pyrite of the Huxu deposit to clarify the distribution of trace elements in pyrite,ore-forming fluid and material sources,and genetic types of the deposit.The mineralization stage of the deposit can be divided into quartz-pyrite stage(S1),quartz-pyrite-hematite stage(S2),quartz-polymetallic sulfide stage(S3)and quartz-hematite stage(S4),with the corresponding pyrite being divided into three generations(Py1-Py3).in-situ trace element data of pyrite show that Au in pyrite mainly exists in the form of solid solution(Au^(+)),and the content is relatively low at all stages(0.18 ppm for Py1,0.32 ppm for Py2,0.68 ppm for Py3),while Pb and Zn mainly exist as sulfide inclusions in the pyrite.S-Pb isotopes show that the sulfur and ore-forming material of this deposit are mainly sourced from magma.The mineral association,mineral textures and trace elements in different stages of pyrite indicate that fluid boiling and fluid mixing are the key factors of native gold precipitation in S2 and S4,respectively,while water-rock interaction controlled the precipitation of Pb-Zn sulfides.These integrating with geological characteristics suggests that the deposit should be an intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposit.

Wavy Distribution of Trace Elements in Phytolacca Samples from Different Areas

To study the distribution of 25 elements, i.e. Be, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cu, Dy, Er,Eu, Gd, Ge, Ho, La, Lu, Mo, Nd, Pb, Pr, Sm, Sr, Tb, Tl, Tm, Y, Yb and Zn in Phytolacca, atraditional Chinese medicinal herb, collected from nine areas of P. R. China. Methods Twenty-fiveelements in Phytolacca including essential elements, toxic elements and rare earth elements intraditional Chinese medicinal herbs from different areas were analyzed by ICP-MS. Results The 25elements in Phytolacca were determined by ICP-MS under optimized conditions. The detection limitswere 0.003 -0.71 ng·mL^(-1). The recoveries were 88% - 118% . The relative standard deviations ofthe measurements were 1.7% - 13.3%. Conclusion The determined concentrations of elements inPhytolacca acinosa Roxb vary from one area to another; however, the distribution tendency ofelements in all the samples is similar. The distribution tendency of rare earth elements inPhytolacca acinosa Roxb is consistent with that in nature.

Study on the Major and Trace Elements in Soil of Yunnan Farmland

In order to investigate the distribution of soil available micronutrients, and provide a theoretical basis for management of fertilizing reasonably on crops, the contents of major and trace elements （P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn） in farm- land soil collected from Yunnan Province were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）, the contents and distribution of major and trace elements were also studied. The results showed that the contents of available P, K were balance, available Ca, Mg were deficient, and available Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn were very plentiful. Major and trace elements distribution of different landform areas were obviously different. The contents of trace elements （Fe, Zn and Mn） of central Yunnan Red Plateau were significantly higher than those of Hengduan Mountains in western Yunnan and those of karst plateau in eastern Yunnan. The contents of available P, K, and Ca gradually declined from west to east, while the content of available Cu rose gradually from west to east. The results are reference value to elements determination and agricultural production in farmland soils.

Clinical and experimental study on gastric mucosal Pathology DNA cAMP and trace elements of pixu patients

AIMS The paper studies the relationship between spleen deficiency substance,spleen deficiency and gastric cancer. METHODS We adopted the IBAS 2000 image analysis system,501B SEM with 9100/60 energy chromatic dispersing X-ray analysis instrument technique,histologic chemistry and radio-immunity means to assay the ultramicro structure,in- testinal rnetaplasia subtypes,cAMP,DNA,trace element series and their oxides of the patients' gastric mucosa. RESULTS The incidence rates of gastric cancer,incom- plete colonic intestinal metaplasia and“background lesion”of spleen deficiency with Qi stagnation patients are remarkably higher than those of spleen Qi deficiency patients(P<0.05- 0.001 ).The levels of gastric mucosa cAMP,Zn,Cu,ZnO and CuO decreased from complete to incomplete intestinal meta- plasia and from small to colonic intestinal metaplasia,while DNA increased in the above sequence(P<0.05-0.001 ).The lev- els of DNA,cAMP,Zn,Cu,ZnO and CuO in gastric mucosa of incomplete colonic intestinal metaplasia tissue are not remark- ably different from those in gastric cancer tissue. CONCLUSION Gastric diseases of spleen dificiency with Qi stagnation has the tendency of cancerization; There is a close relationship between the incidence of incomplete colonic intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer.

Study on Trace Elements in Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. by Principal Component Analysis and Clustering Analysis

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the trace elements in Rehman- nia glutinosa Libosch. by using principal component analysis and clustering analysis. [Method] Principal component analysis and clustering analysis of R. glutinosa medicinal materials from different sources were conducted with contents of six trace elements as indices. [Result] The principal component analysis could comprehen- sively evaluate the quality of R. glutinosa samples with objective results which was consistent with the results of clustering analysis. [Conclusion] Principal component analysis and clustering analysis methods can be used for the quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal materials with multiple indices.

Determination of Trace Elements in Potatoes by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the contents of trace elements in potatoes from different production areas in Qinghai Province. [Method] By flame atomic absorption spectrometry （FAAS）, the contents of various trace elements in potatoes were determined. [Result] Potatoes contain abundant trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, K and Mg. To be specific, the contents of Ca, K and Mg were relatively high. [Conclusion] By using FAAS, the relative standard deviation was 1.17%-2.75% and the recovery rate was 97%-99.5%, indicating accurate and reli-able results with high precision.

Different Carbon Fractions in Soils and Their Relationship with Trace Elements Content

Luvisols, Stagnogleys and Cambisols, although less fertile, are used intensively for mixed farming, grazing and as forestland. Therefore we aimed our study at determination of total organic carbon （TOC） content, humic substances （HS） content, humic acids （HA） content, fulvic acids （FA）, hot water extractable carbon （Chw） content and content total and labile trace elements content. Humic substances quality was assessed by HA/FA ratio and by coloured indexes measured in ultraviolet and visible UV-VIS spectral range. The total and labile contents of Zn, Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, Mo and Se were determined by flame or electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry after extraction of the soil samples in the aqua regia （total content） and in the solution of 0.01 M CaCI2. Total and labile trace elements content was correlated with determined carbon fractions and soil reaction. Results showed that studied soils content low amount of TOC and had low quality of humic substances. HA/FA ratio was less than 1 and colour indexes were higher than 4. All determined carbon fractions correlated with labile form of Zn and Cd. Correlation between soil reaction and total zinc content was found. Significant effect of humic substances content on to water-soluble forms of heavy metals was detected.

Effect of Trace Elements in Seed Coating Agent on Peanut Growth

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effect of trace elements in peanut seed coating agent. [Method] Different concentrations of trace elements Fe and B were added into peanut coating agent, then the germination rate and plant height of the seeds treated by different agents were measured to decide the best formula. [Result] The germination rate and plant height of the seeds treated with seed coating agent was obviously increased. Adding trace elements Fe and B could increase the peanut yield, and 1.5% Fe and 1% B gave the best result. [Conclusion] This study will provide reference for modifying the seed coating agent formula.

The Estimation of Soil Trace Elements Distribution and Soil-Plant-Animal Continuum in Relation to Trace Elements Status of Sheep in Huangcheng Area of Qilian Mountain Grassland,China

The purpose of the present study was to survey contents of trace elements of Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn in the surface layer （0-20 cm） in the soil, pasture and serum of sheep in Huangcheng area of Qilian mountain grassland, China. Also the soil-plantanimal continuum was analyzed. Soil （n=300）, pasture （n=60）, and blood serum samples from sheep （n=480） were collected from Huangcheng area of Qilian mountain grassland, China. The contents of trace element in the samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after digestion. The soil trace elements density distribution shows a ladder-like pattern distribution. Equations developed in the present study for prediction of Fe （R2=0.943） and Zn （R2=0.882） had significant R2 values.

Sedimentary cycles of trace elements in Salawusu River Valley since 150 ka BP

The paper makes some analyses on 11 trace elements in the Milanggouwan stratigraphical section in the Salawusu River valley, which is regarded as a prototype geology-palaeoclimate record since 150 ka BP. The results show that the content and variation of trace elements has experienced remarkably regular changes in the pace with coarse and fine sedimentary cycles of palaeo-aeolian sands to its overlying fluvio-lacustrine facies or/and palaeosols. The trace elements with chemical properties of relatively active (V, Sr, Cu, Ni, As) and relatively stable (P, Pb, Rb, Mn, Nb, Zr) are a manifestation of the corresponding 27 changeable cycles between peak and valley values, appearing a multi-fiuctuational process line of relative gathering and migration since then. The low numerical value distribution of these two types of trace elements in the aeolian sand facies represents erosion and accumulation under wind force during the cold-dry climate. Whereas their enrichments in both fluvio-lacustrine facies and palaeosols are related to the valley’s special low-lying physiognomic position between the Ordos Plateau and the Loess Plateau under the warm and humid climate conditions. The above relatively migrated and gathered change of the trace elements is the result of 27 climatic cycles of cold-dry and warm-humid, which is probably caused by repeated alternations of winter monsoon and summer monsoon in the Mu Us Sandy Land influenced by the climate vicissitudes in northern hemisphere during glacial and interglacial periods since 150 ka BP.

Distribution Characteristics of Sulfur and the Main Harmful Trace Elements in China's Coal

To promote the rational development and use of clean coal resources in China, data on the regional and age distribution of sulfur, arsenic and other harmful elements in Chinese coal was broadly collected, tested for content, and analyzed. Coal in northwestern China is characterized by low to extremely low levels of sulfur; the coal of the Taiyuan Formation in northern China mainly has high-sulfur content; that of the Shanxi Formation is mainly characterized by low sulfur coal; and the Late Permian coal in southern China has overall higher sulfur content; other regions have low sulfur coal. The average content of harmful trace elements in the bulk of China＇s coal is similar to the corresponding content in the coal of the North America and the rest of the world, whereas the content of various elements （Hg, Sb and Se） is different in magnitude to the corresponding percentage in the crust. The average content of the elements Cr, Se, Co, Be, U, Br in Late Permian coal in S China ranks first in the country whereas the average content of Hg and CI in the coals of Late Carboniferous to Early Permian age in N China are the highest. The average content of Mn in Early and Middle Jurassic coal is higher in NW China. The high content of harmful elements in some coal should cause particular concern both in the development and utilization of coal.