Simulations of accidental coal immersion

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Marine Chemistry
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Maritime transport of coal is increasing.
• Collier accidents pose environmental risks.
• Understanding coal's impact in seawater is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the environmental impact of accidental coal immersion at sea.
• To investigate the physicochemical effects of coal in marine environments.
• To quantify the behavior and consequences of coal particles and chunks in seawater.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a laboratory seawater canal (polludrome) to simulate seawater flow over coal particles.
• Employed a specialized tub to study physicochemical consequences of coal in renewed seawater.
• Measured physical changes (light penetration, particle movement, sedimentation) and chemical alterations (dissolved humic matter, hydrocarbons, inorganic compounds).

Main Results:

• Fine coal particles significantly reduced daylight penetration (up to 100%).
• Coal chunks accumulated on the seabed.
• Dissolved humic matter reached 2 mg L(-1), and manganese concentrations reached 1 microg L(-1).
• No release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was detected.

Conclusions:

• The environmental impact of accidental coal immersion in the sea is likely limited.
• Physical effects like reduced light penetration and sedimentation are primary concerns.
• Chemical impacts, including dissolved organic and inorganic matter, are present but not acutely hazardous based on current findings.