Abstract
Contents of the rare-earth elements (REE ) in two coal seams from North Shanxi Province, China, were determined using the instrumental neutron activation method. Based on the REE distribution patterns, and correlation analysis and cluster analysis, the main conclusions were drawn as follows. The REE contents are controlled mainly by the coal-forming environments, but might be affected by acidic solution leaching after peat sedimentation. The REE distribution patterns should be nearly the same in the sublayers of the same coal seam, and the occurrence of abnormal patterns might indicate the geological effect during post-sedimentation. The REE in coals are present mainly in the inorganic phase, and might be derived mainly from terrigenous detrital minerals. Some harmful elements, such as V, P, Mo, Cr, Cu, Mo, Th and Cd, might have cleaning potential during processing and dressing by washing because they are associated with REE.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Chen Ying, Wang Xiaorong, and Peng An, 1999, Development in research on REE fractionation [J]: Advances in Environmental Science, v. 7, n. 1, p. 10–17 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Chen Zhaoxi, Wang Xiaorong, Tian Liqing et al., 1995, Simulation study on the effects of acid rain on the environmental chemical behavior and plant utilization of rare-earth elements [J]: Acta Envirorunenta Scientia, v. 15, n. 1, p. 32–38 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Finkelman, R. B., 1993, Trace and minor elements in coal [A]: in M. H. Engel and S. A. Macko, eds., Organic geochemistry [C]: New York, Plenum Press, p. 593–607.
Huang Wenhui, Yang Qi, Tang Dazhen et al., 1999, Geochemistry of rare-earth elements in Late Paleozoic coals in North China [J]: Acta Geologica Sinica, v. 73, n. 4, p. 360–369 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Murray, R. W., M. R. Buchholtz ten Brink, D. I. Jones et al., 1990, Rare-earth elements as indicators of different marine depositional environments in chert and shale [J]: Geology, v. 18, n. 2, p. 268–272.
Seredin, V. V., 1996, Rare-earth element-bearing coals from the Russian Far East deposits [J]: Int. J. Coal Geology, v. 30, n. 1-2, p. 101–129.
Shanxi Institute of Mining and Datong Coal Mining Administration, 1991, Sedimentary environments and coal accumulation features of Jurassic measures in Datong [M]: Beijing, Science Press, p. 69–137 (in Chinese).
Valkovic, V., 1983, Trace elements in coal [M]: Boca Raton, CRC Press, 558p.
Wang Wenfeng, Qin Yong, and Song Dangyu, 2002, Geochemistry and cleaning potential of hazardous elements in coal seam No. 9 from Xingzhouyao Mine[J]: Journal of China University of Mining & Technology, v. 31, n. 3, p. 281–284 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Wang Yunquang, Mo Jieyun, and Ren Deyi, 1999, Distribution of minor and trace elements in magmatic hydrothermal metamorphic coal from the Meitian Coal Mine, Hunan Province [J]: Geochimica, v. 28, n. 3, p. 289–296 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Wang Zhonggang, Yu Xueyuan, and Zhao Zhenhua, 1989, Rare-earth element geochemistry [M]: Beijing, Science Press, p. 5–427 (in Chinese).
Zhao Fenghua, 1997, Study on the mechanism of distribution and occurrence of hazardous minor and trace elements in coals and leaching experiments on coal combustion residues [D]: Beijing, China University Mining and Technology, p. 1–141 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Zhao Zhigen, Tang Xiuyi, and Li Baofang, 2000a, REE geochemistry of coal in the Huinan mining area[J]: Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, v. 18, n. 3, p. 453–459 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Zhao Zhigen, Tang Xiuyi, and Li Baofang, 2000b, REE geochemistry of coal in the Huibei coalfield [J]: Geochimica, v. 29, n. 6, p. 578–583 (in Chinese with English abstract).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This research was financially supported by the key science and technology project “Geologic Study on Clean Coal in China” (No. 7F0257) of China National Administration of Coal Geology. Wang Wenfeng (1970-), male, Ph. D. student, majoring in coal geochemistry.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Wenfeng, W., Yong, Q., Dangyu, S. et al. REE Geochemistry of moderate- and high-sulfur coals from North Shanxi, China. Chin. J. Geochem. 22, 123–132 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02831521
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02831521