The fate of trace elements in a large coal-fired power plant

Abstract

 A quick approach is proposed to evaluate the environmental fate of trace elements in coal-fired power plants. It is based on the analysis of feed coal and solid combustion by-products, together with the leachates of the latter. The application of this method in a 1050 MW power plant from NE Spain shows that: (1) Ba, Ce, Co, Cs, Cu, Dy, Ga, Ge, La, Lu, Mn, Ni, Rb, Sr, Tb, Th, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr were retained in the solid wastes; (2) As, B, Be, Cd, Cr, Li, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ta, Tl, U, V and W were only partially retained in the solid wastes; and (3) Hg and Se were primarily emitted to the atmosphere.