ARSENIC, CADMIUM, LEAD, AND ZINC IN THE DANVILLE AND SPRINGFIELD COAL MEMBERS (PENNSYLVANIAN) FROM INDIANA

Abstract

Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc contents and distributions are discussed in two major Pennsylvanian coal beds in Indiana: the Danville Coal Member and the Springfield Coal Member. Arsenic contents of the Danville and Springfield coals show similar ranges from 0.5 to 43 ppm for the Danville Coal and 1 to 50 ppm for the Springfield Coal, with an average of 12.7 ppm for the Danville and 9.4 ppm for the Springfield Coal. Cadmium concentrations do not exceed 9 ppm, with an average of 0.4 for Danville and 0.7 ppm for the Springfield. Average Pb contents are 21.3 and 6.3 ppm, whereas Zn contents are 101 and 54 ppm for the Danville and the Springfield, respectively. The distribution of these elements varies both laterally and vertically within the coals, as functions of their mineral associations and the time of their emplacement.