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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS2005

Composition and trace element content of coal in Taiwan

To investigate the trace element contents of local coal, four coal samples were collected from operating mines in NW Taiwan. Detailed petrographic and chemical characterization analyses were then conducted. Analytical results indicate that (1) the samples were high volatile bituminous coal in rank with ash content ranging from 4.2 to 14.4% and with moisture content ranging from 2.7 to 4.6%; (2) the macerals were mostly composed of vitrinite with vitrinite reflectance less than 0.8%; (3) the sample of Wukeng mine has the highest Fe 2 O 3 (29.5%), Tl (54.8 ppm), Zn (140 ppm), and As (697 ppm) contents in ash and Hg (2.3 ppm) in the coal. If used properly, these coals should not present health hazards.

Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences↗
USGS1956

Occurrence of selenium in sulfides from some sedimentary rocks of the western United States

Investigations of the minor- and trace-element content of sulfides associated with uranium ore deposits from sandstone-type deposits have shown that selenium commonly substitutes for sulfur. The Morrison formation and Entrada sandstone of Jurassic age and the Wind River formation of Eocene age seem to be seleniferous stratigraphic zones; sulfides deposited within these formations generally contain abnormal amounts of selenium. The selenium content of the pyrite, marcasite, and chalcocite is much greater than that reported in previously published data. Under the prevailing temperatures and pressures of formation of the Colorado Plateau uranium deposits the maximum amount of Se substituting for S in the pyrite structure was found to be 3 percent by weight. Ferroselite, the iron selenide (FeSe 2 ), was found in two deposits on the Colorado Plateau and it was also established that galena (PbS) forms an isomorphous series with clausthalite (PbSe) in nature. During oxidation of the selenium-bearing sulfides and selenides in the Colorado Plateau and Wyoming, the selenium forms pinkish crusts of either monoclinic or hexagonal native selenium intergrown with soluble sulfates, suggesting that under "normal" oxidizing conditions native selenium is more stable than selenites or selenates. The above-normal selenium content of these sulfides from sedimentary rocks of Mesozoic and Tertiary age is significant. The high selenium in these sulfides is related to periods of volcanic and intrusive activity penecontemporaneous with the formation of the containing sediments.

Arizona;Colorado;New Mexico;Utah;Wyoming↗
USGS1997

The forms of trace metals in an Illinois basin coal by x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy

Utilities burning Illinois coals currently do not consider trace elements in their flue gas emissions. After the US EPA completes an investigation on trace elements, however, this may change and flue gas emission standards may be established. The mode of occurrence of a trace element may determine its cleanability and Hue gas emission potential. X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) is a spectroscopic technique that can differentiate the mode of occurrence of an element, even at the low concentrations that trace elements are found in coal. This is principally accomplished by comparing the XAFS spectra of a coal to a database of reference sample spectra. This study evaluated the technique as a potential tool to examine six trace elements in an Illinois #6 coal. For the elements As and Zn, the present database provides a definitive interpretation on their mode of occurrence. For the elements Ti, V, Cr, and Mn the database of XAFS spectra of trace elements in coal was still too limited to allow a definitive interpretation. The data obtained on these elements, however, was sufficient to rule out several of the mineralogical possibilities that have been suggested previously. The results indicate that XAFS is a promising technique for the study of trace elements in coal.

ACS Division of Fuel Chemistry, Preprints↗
USGS2025

Evidence of mineral alteration in a salt marsh subterranean estuary: Implications for carbon and trace element cycling

Subterranean estuaries (STE) in salt marshes are biogeochemically active zones where interactions between terrestrial groundwater and seawater drive complex cycling of carbon and trace elements, influenced by mineral dissolution. These systems, characterized by fine-grained organic-rich peat overlying permeable coastal aquifers, play a crucial role as a blue carbon sink, yet their geochemical dynamics remain poorly understood. We investigated dissolved trace elements, carbon, silica, and radium isotopes in a salt marsh STE (Sage Lot Pond, Waquoit Bay, MA) over seasonal and annual cycles. Our results reveal that groundwater and estuarine water circulation through marsh peat and aquifer sediments leads to enrichments of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC and DIC), Si, Ba, and Mn, with variable source/sink behavior of Fe and net removal of U. Submarine groundwater discharge dominated Ba fluxes, whereas pore water drainage from marsh peat acted as the main sink for U and source of Si. Fe cycling was variable, with terrestrial Fe largely removed as groundwater passed through the STE, consistent with Fe-sulfide and amorphous phase formation. Radium isotope ratios identified two distinct subsurface flow pathways, influenced by metal-oxide cycling and organic matter breakdown. Si production was decoupled from DIC, suggesting Si originates from mineral alteration, whereas DIC results from both mineral weathering and microbial respiration. Silicate mineral alteration, coupled with marsh pore water drainage, accounts for up to 16% of annual DIC exports (66 g C m −2 y −1 ), highlighting the importance of STEs in coastal carbon and trace element cycling, especially as marshes face environmental change.

Massachusetts↗
USGS1955

Geologic investigations of radioactive deposits, semiannual progress report for June 1 to November 30, 1955

This report is a statement of progress during the six-months period from June 1 to November 30, 1955 on investigations of radioactive materials in the United States and Alaska, undertaken by the U.S. Geological Survey under the sponsorship of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. During the period the Geological Survey's program has been directed to an increasing extent toward the understanding of geologic conditions favorable for the concentration of uranium, rather than the search for minable deposits as such. This shift in emphasis is reflected in the decreased amount of exploration drilling during the period, and the accompanying increase in geologic programs of a long-range nature. The program is now directed toward a comprehensive understanding of the many factors involved in uranium geology, and the publication of reports that will make available information on all phases of the uranium program. Many investigations have progressed to the point where final reports are in preparation for future publication with the permission of the Atomic Energy Commission; for other investigations of a continuing nature it will be several years before final reports can be prepared. Formal publications (as distinguished from administrative Trace Elements Reports) published during the period include 10 Geological Survey Bulletins or Bulletin Chapters; 116 Geological Survey maps; 15 reports published in scientific journals; seven Trace Elements Reports sent to the Technical Information Service of the Atomic Energy Commission for distribution and sale to the public; and four Trace Elements reports placed on open file. In addition, a large number •of papers by geologists in the program were presented before scientific societies, and the 61 papers prepared for the United Nations International Conference .on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy during the preceding report period were published by the United Nations.

Trace Elements Investigations↗