Dalway John Swaine

30: Trace Elements in Coal Science (1996)

Introduction

30: trace elements in coal science (1996). Explore trace elements in coal science, their occurrence, environmental impact from combustion, deposition, and future research. Covers boron, fluorine, and boiler deposits.

Abstract

Liversidge Research Lecture delivered before the Royal Society of New South Wales, 12th June, 1996. Reproduced by permission of the Royal Society of New South Wales from J. Proc. Roy. Soc. N.S.W., 1996, 129, 139-148."Trace elements are relevant to several aspects of coal science. Five topics are dealt with in detail, namely, the occurrence of trace elements, boron as an indicator of marine influence, boiler deposits, fluorine in coal, and the deposition of trace elements from the atmosphere. There is an increasing interest in the fate of trace elements from the combustion of coal for power production, especially environmental aspects of trace elements from the atmosphere and from ash disposal areas. Several suggestions for future work are outlined."

Review

This paper, originally delivered as the Liversidge Research Lecture before the Royal Society of New South Wales in 1996, offers a valuable overview of the critical role of trace elements in coal science. The work comprehensively addresses five key areas: the general occurrence of trace elements, the use of boron as an indicator for marine influence in coal formation, issues related to boiler deposits, the specific implications of fluorine in coal, and the environmental deposition of trace elements from the atmosphere. Given its origin as a distinguished lecture, the paper effectively synthesizes knowledge in these diverse yet interconnected topics, highlighting their relevance to both fundamental understanding and practical applications in the mid-1990s. A significant strength of this work lies in its timely recognition of the increasing interest in the environmental fate of trace elements, particularly those arising from coal combustion for power generation. The abstract explicitly notes concerns regarding atmospheric emissions and ash disposal areas, demonstrating a forward-thinking perspective on issues that remain highly pertinent today. By detailing aspects such as boiler deposits and atmospheric deposition, the paper successfully bridges theoretical understanding with applied engineering and environmental science challenges, making it a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners alike who were active in this domain during that period. While presented as a review and synthesis rather than novel data, the paper's concluding outline of "several suggestions for future work" underscores its continued relevance and ability to stimulate further inquiry. For a 1996 publication, it provides a robust snapshot of the state-of-the-art concerning trace elements in coal and their environmental implications. This work serves as an excellent foundational text for understanding the historical context and initial concerns regarding trace elements in coal science, offering insights that are still foundational to contemporary discussions on sustainable energy and environmental impact mitigation.

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