Trace Elements in West Virginia Coals

Stratigraphic Distribution of Lead (Pb)

The stratigraphic distribution of Lead (Pb) shows somewhat low lead levels in the Pocahontas Formation through lower Kanawha coals, with a moderate increase in lead content in coals of the middle Kanawha Formation through the Conemaugh Group, and a sharp decrease in lead in the coal beds of the Monongahela through Dunkard Groups. Throughout West Virginia, lead contents averaged less than 15 ppm lead on a whole coal basis. High values in single samples of the Upper Mercer and Chilton coals are unexplained (see cautionary notes page).

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Page last revised: March 2, 2002

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