Analysis of iron sulphides from UK coal by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence

✍ Scribed by Richard N. White; Joseph V. Smith; D.Alan Spears; Mark L. Rivers; Stephen R. Sutton

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1989
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 797 KB
• Volume: 68
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0016-2361
• DOI: 10.1016/0016-2361(89)90048-3

✦ Synopsis

A synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence microprobe was used to analyse trace elements in iron sulphides from East Midland coals. For a 20 x 20 ,um spot size, detection limits were down to 5-50 ppm for elements with atomic number >25. Particular emphasis was placed on establishing the concentration ranges and locations of potential environmentally-hazardous elements. The sulphide samples (pyrite and marcasite) were massive hand picked sulphides consisting of both diagenetic and epigenetic forms. Substantial concentrations of volatile and non-volatile elements were recorded. All elements showed large concentration ranges and exhibited log-normal distributions. Cu, Ni, As, Se and Pb were detected in most samples, Tl was detected in only half the samples, and Zn and MO in only about one-quarter. A close relationship between arsenic and selenium was-identified.