Use of laser ablation ICP-MS to determine trace element distributions in coals, with special reference to V, Ge and Al

Spears, D. A.; Borrego, Ángeles G.; Cox, Alan G.; Martı́nez-Tarazona, M. Rosa

doi:10.1016/j.coal.2007.02.001

Cited by 33 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 30 publications

(39 reference statements)

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“…A similar observation was made for a suite of UK coals drawn from a much wider geographical area (Spears and Zheng, 1999), and constant Cu-Ni proportions were also noted in analyses of single micron-sized pyrite grains (Spears et al, 2007). Such relative constancy in the supply of trace elements is best explained if seawater was the reservoir.…”

Section: The Concentration Values Inmentioning

confidence: 68%

“…In particular the values for Zn and Co should be treated with caution. Also obtained by a similar procedure to that adopted in the current work, but using a physically fractionated coal, are the values in columns 2 (Harworth coal, Spears et al, 1999a) and column 3 (Eggborough coal, Spears, 2002, Spears et al, 2007 for coals from the same coalfield. Comparing the values in the three columns reveals that there are similarities, but also some differences.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cavender (1995) There is also the possibility that organic Al contributes to the observed trend. Organic Al has been detected in coals similar to the Parkgate coal using laser ablation ICP-MS (Spears et al, 2007). However, the amount is thought to be relatively minor, amounting to no more than 0.05% Al, which would have little influence on the K-Al regression equation.…”

Section: Major Element Geochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Using a direct method (Spears et al, 2007) Table 3. As noted earlier, there is a highly significant correlation between K and Rb with an intercept close to zero (Figure 3).…”

Section: Trace Element Geochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

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The geochemistry of environmentally important trace elements in UK coals, with special reference to the Parkgate coal in the Yorkshire–Nottinghamshire Coalfield, UK

Spears

Tewalt

2009

International Journal of Coal Geology

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The Parkgate coal of Langsettian age in the Yorkshire-Nottinghamshire coalfield is typical of many coals in the UK in that it has a high sulphur (S) content. Detailed information on the distribution of the forms of S, both laterally and vertically through the seam, was known from previous investigations. In the present work, 38 interval samples from five measured sections of the coal were comprehensively analysed for major, minor and trace elements and the significance of relationships established using both raw and centered logtransformed data.The major elements are used to quantify the variations in the inorganic and organic coal components and determine the trace element associations. Pyrite contains nearly all of the Hg, As, Se, Tl and Pb and is also the major source of the Mo, Ni, Cd and Sb. The clays contain the following elements in decreasing order of association: Rb, Cs, Li, Ga, U, Cr, V, Sc, Y, Bi, Cu, Nb, Sn, Te and Th. Nearly all of the Rb is present in the clay fraction, whereas for elements such as V, Cu and U, a significant amount is thought to be present in the organic matter, based on the K vs trace element regression equations. Only Ge, and possibly Be, would appear to have a dominant organic source. The trace element concentrations are 2 calculated for pyrite, the clay fraction and organic matter. For pyrite it is noted that concentrations agree with published data from the Yorkshire-Nottinghamshire coalfield and also that Tl concentrations (median of 0.33 ppm) in the pyrite are greater than either Hg or Cd. Unlike these elements, Tl has attracted less attention and possibly more information is needed on its anthropogenic distribution and impacts on man and the environment. A seawater source is thought to be responsible for the high concentrations of S, Cl and the nondetrital trace elements in the Parkgate coal. Indicative of the seawater control is the Th/U ratio, which expresses the detrital to non-detrital element contributions. Using other elements, similar ratios can be calculated, which in combination offer greater interpretative value.

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Section: The Concentration Values Inmentioning

confidence: 68%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Major Element Geochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Using a direct method (Spears et al, 2007) Table 3. As noted earlier, there is a highly significant correlation between K and Rb with an intercept close to zero (Figure 3).…”

Section: Trace Element Geochemistrymentioning

confidence: 99%

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The geochemistry of environmentally important trace elements in UK coals, with special reference to the Parkgate coal in the Yorkshire–Nottinghamshire Coalfield, UK

Spears

Tewalt

2009

International Journal of Coal Geology

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“…Aluminium was not used in the latter case because of its low concentration in coals. In addition some Al could be present in clay minerals which are not diagenetic, notably kaolinite, and coal macerals have also been recorded as containing organic Al [28]. This is particularly relevant if the enrichment factor is to be calculated to demonstrate the difference between the dominantly detrital mudrocks and the coals with a relatively small detrital fraction.…”

Section: The Netherlandsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Seawater on the Trace Element Geochemistry of Some UK Coals and a Tribute to Goldschmidt

Spears

2017

Minerals

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Abstract:The Pennsylvanian coals in the UK were deposited in a low-lying delta plain which was periodically inundated by the sea. This resulted in high S contents, mainly due to early diagenetic pyrite. Based on a statistical analysis of the geochemical data, pyrite is the major host for As, Se, Hg, Tl and Pb and an important host for Mo, Cd, Ni, Sb and Cu. All of these elements are enriched in the coals compared with non-marine mudrocks in the sequence, as is Ge and Be, although theirs is an organic association. The pattern of enrichment in the coals is similar to that in marine shales and coals overlain by marine shales, demonstrating the seawater influence. Goldschmidt was a pioneer in the geochemical study of coals and this paper will demonstrate that many of his ideas have stood the test of time.

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Selenium and tellurium concentrations of Carboniferous British coals

et al. 2018

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Standard mode and collision/reaction cell mass spectroscopy methods have been utilized in order to overcome spectral interferences and provide ultra‐low quantification of selenium (Se) and tellurium (Te) in British Carboniferous coals for the first time. The accurate detection of Se and Te in coals is becoming increasingly important, as coals and pyrite have been identified as potentially significant trace element sources. The mean Se concentration of British coals bear comparison to that of world coals, with anomalous Se content (concentrations above 4 mg/kg) across westerly exposures, often coinciding with high sulphur (S) content and visible pyrite. New Te data for British coals gives a mean concentration of 0.02 mg/kg, with anomalous Te in Ayrshire. There is a positive correlation in the Te/Se ratio across the sample set. The close relationship between Se and Te, as well as Se–Te with both early syngenetic and later cleat‐filling pyrite, confirms an important role for sulphides in Se and Te sequestration in British coals. The high Se‐Bowland Shale and/or Ordovician volcanics may have provided the trace element source for British coals of similar or younger age. Regional intrusive activity (shallow tabular intrusions or more extensive plutons) and episodes of intense deformation can alter the thermal maturity of coals and may have driven the movement of trace element‐rich fluids through strata, locally enriching coals in Se and Te.

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Use of laser ablation ICP-MS to determine trace element distributions in coals, with special reference to V, Ge and Al

Cited by 33 publications

References 30 publications

The geochemistry of environmentally important trace elements in UK coals, with special reference to the Parkgate coal in the Yorkshire–Nottinghamshire Coalfield, UK

The geochemistry of environmentally important trace elements in UK coals, with special reference to the Parkgate coal in the Yorkshire–Nottinghamshire Coalfield, UK

The Role of Seawater on the Trace Element Geochemistry of Some UK Coals and a Tribute to Goldschmidt

Selenium and tellurium concentrations of Carboniferous British coals

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