Trace Elements in West Virginia Coals

Stratigraphic Distribution of Mercury (Hg)

The stratigraphic distribution of Mercury (Hg) showed generally very low and variable mercury contents in West Virginia coals. Upper Pennsylvanian coals consistently contained 0.1-0.3 ppm mercury. Middle Pennsylvanian coals exhibited lower mercury contents and Lower Pennsylvanian coals exhibited low but erratic mercury abundances. Highest Hg content coals were in thin, high sulfur, and generally unminable (see the historic coal production) upper Allegheny and Conemaugh group (Lower Kittanning through Harlem) coals in Monongalia, Preston and Mineral counties (see cautionary note page).

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Page last revised: March 2, 2002

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