Trace elements in coal, coal combustion products and soil from coal-fired power plant area evaluated by neutron activation analysis

Abstract

The concentrations of trace elements were determined in coal, fly ashes from baghouse and cyclone filter, and bottom ash from the Figueira thermal power plant (FPP) by a neutron activation analysis technique. Study of the enrichment factor indicated that coal ashes were moderately enriched for all elements, except for Zn that exhibits significant to very-high enrichment. The mobilization of elements was observed in the zeolite products obtained from the three coal ashes. With regards to the amount present in each type of ash, most of the elements were present at same level in zeolites, with the exception of As which exhibited much lower concentration. The trace element concentrations of two soil samples collected in the vicinity of the FPP was also investigated. The results indicate that the FPP contributes mainly to the Zr and Ba pollution in nearby soils, particularly Zr pollution.