Related Experiment Videos
Arsenic concentrations in Chinese coals.
Mingshi Wang1, Baoshan Zheng, Binbin Wang
1State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, Guizhou Province, China. mingshiwang78@hotmail.com
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 1, 2005
Summary
Arsenic levels in Chinese coal are generally low, with regional variations. Health issues linked to coal arsenic stem from lifestyle, not high concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Environmental Science
- Coal Geology
Background:
- Arsenic contamination in coal is a global concern.
- Understanding arsenic distribution in Chinese coal is crucial for environmental and health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine arsenic concentrations in Chinese coal samples.
- To investigate the relationship between arsenic content and coal characteristics (rank, age).
- To assess the health implications of arsenic in Chinese coal.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 297 coal samples from 26 Chinese provinces.
- Determination of arsenic concentration using the molybdenum blue coloration method.
Main Results:
- Arsenic content in Chinese coals ranges from 0.24 to 71 mg/kg (mean 6.4 mg/kg).
- Higher arsenic levels were found in northeastern and southern provinces, lower in northwestern ones.
- Coal rank and age showed minimal impact on arsenic concentration; average levels are below the global average.
Conclusions:
- Arsenic levels in Chinese coal are not exceptionally high.
- Health problems (arsenism) are primarily linked to domestic coal use practices, not inherent arsenic content.
- Further research into local lifestyle factors is recommended.