Distribution of environmental sensitive trace elements in the Eocene Sorgun coals, Turkey

The distribution of trace elements in the lower Eocene coal seam mined in t he Yeniceltek, Kucukkohne and Ayridam coal mines from the Sorgun Basin was investigated in relation to ash content and maceral composition. The coal s eam is mainly composed of huminite. in the present study, 35 samples from f ive seam sections were collected on the basis of megascopic characteristics . Results were determined using an energy dispersive polarised X-ray fluore scence (EDP-XRF) spectrometer on a whole-coal dry basis. Most of the major and trace elements studied are enriched in high-ash samples, while Ba, Br, Mn and W show relative enrichments in low-ash samples. Most of elements stu died, such as Ga, Ce, La, Th, Nb, Rb, Zr, V, Cu, U, Pb, Sb, Cs, Sn, Cr, Se, Y and Zn, are primarily associated with mineral matter (clay minerals). Ar senic and a part of Zn, Se and Sb are probably concentrated in pyrites in t he samples. Element concentrations show statistically significant negative correlations with many macerals and positive relationships with only attrin ite that is mainly mixed with mineral matter (clay minerals and small quart z grains) in the samples. Nine trace elements (As, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Th and U), considered as potentially Hazardous Air Pollutants, are present in low to moderate concentrations. The mean values of trace element concent rations display relative enrichments in Se (2.8 ppm), Th (21 ppm) and W (26 ppm) in the investigated samples in comparison with other coals in the wor ld. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.