The Concentration and Distribution of Trace Elements in Coals and Ashes of the Barapukuria Thermal Power Plant, Bangladesh

Abstract

The concentrations of minor and trace elements, including some of environmental significance, were determined in coals and ashes of Barapukuria thermal power plant in Bangladesh by a neutron activation analysis technique. Synchronized sampling of feed coal, fly ash, and bottom ash was undertaken over a limited time period. The ranges and arithmetic mean of the concentrations of 30 minor and trace elements in the coals and ashes are presented for the first time. Study of the enrichment factor relative to crustal abundances (Clarke values) indicates that Barapukuria coals are moderately enriched (2–6 times) with Sm, Dy, La, Ce, Th, Nd, W, Hf, Sb, and U. Distribution of the trace elements into fly ash and bottom ash after combustion in the power plant was also studied.