Trace Elements in West Virginia Coals
Trace Elements in West Virginia Coals
FLUORINE (F)
Geologic Distribution: The mode of occurrence of fluorine in coal is questionable. Minerals appear to be the site of much of the F in coal. Fluorapatite and fluorite may be present in some coals 1. Clay minerals kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite may contain varying amounts of fluorine 1. Amphiboles, micas, and tourmaline in coal may also contribute to F in coal 2. Mean whole coal fluorine in West Virginia coals is 62.68 ppm, and statistically F does not correlate with ash yield, total sulfur, pyritic sulfur or any other trace elements. Fluorine displays no stratigraphic or geographic trends in whole coal abundance in West Virginia coals.
Economic Impact: Fluorine in coal is of unknown economic impact. Fluorine is used in a great many fluorochemicals including high temperature plastics, the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid, fluorochloro-hydrocarbons used in refrigeration, and is added to drinking water 3.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact caused by fluorine in coal combustion need further study 1. Combustion of coals with very high F content (up to 1000 ppm) can cause fluorosis 1. Volcanoes are also a significant source of atmospheric fluorine 1.
References:
1. Swaine,
D.J., (1990)
2. Finkelman,
R.B., (1981)
3. CRC Handbook
of Chemistry and Physics
| To request specific information from a Survey geologist click here. |
Page last revised: March 2, 2002
Please send questions, comments, and/or suggestions to webmaster.
Page created and maintained by: West Virginia Geological & Economic Survey Address: Mont Chateau Research Center Cheat Lake exit off I-68 P.O. Box 879 Morgantown, WV 26507-0879 Telephone: 1-800-WV-GEOLOgy (1-800-984-3656) or 304-594-2331 FAX: 304-594-2575 Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday - FridayPermission to reproduce this material is granted if acknowledgment is given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.