Evaluation of the Enrichment of Arsenic – A Prime Environmentally Sensitive Element in Various Coals Using PIXE

IJEP 44(12): 1131-1137 : Vol. 44 Issue. 12 (December 2024)

G.J. Naga Raju1, S. Srikanth2 and Padala Sarita3*

1. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Gurajada Vizianagaram (JNTU-GVCEV), Department of Physics, Vizianagaram – 535 003, Andhra Pradesh, India
2. Sagi Ramakrishnam Raju Engineering College (S.R.K.R.), Department of Engineering Physics, Bhimavaram -534 204, Andhra Pradesh, India
3. GITAM University, Department of Physics, GITAM School of Science, Visakhapatnam – 530 045, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Arsenic, being a heavy metal, is highly toxic and a prime environmentally sensitive element. Its concentration in six different coals is studied using a proton probe of energy 3 MeV from a pelletron accelerator. The enrichment factor of arsenic (As) is ascertained with respect to coal Clarke value in the coals under study. The relationship between As and trace elements, ash and total sulphur in various coals was estimated by correlation analysis. It is anticipated that this study on the As concentration in the coals combusted by the Indian thermal power plants will be useful in setting the threshold toxic limits and improving the regulatory requirements protecting the environment and human health.

Keywords

Trace elements, Coal samples, Proton induced x-ray emission, Coal Clarke values, Swaine’s world coal range, Correlation coefficients

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