Abstract:
This present study is conducted to analyze the organic and inorganic elements
in coal that are being utilized in different sectors in Pakistan. Nine coal samples were
collected from four selected locations (industry, local market, mines, and brick kilns)
and analysis was carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Atomic Emission
Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Gas Chromatography (GC). The result showed that trace
elements Fe, Pb, Hg, Zn, Ni, Cr, soluble sulfates, Cu, Al, Ca, Mg and Na are present in
all coal samples, whereas As, Cd and inorganic sulfide concentration is not detected in
any sample. Pb and Hg concentration is found high in the coal samples that are being
utilized in brick kilns and local markets. The coal used in brick kilns is mainly brought
from the Mianwali, Peshawar and Chakwal. The Fecto-cement coal samples (imported
coal) showed heavy metal concentration below the detection limits. Further results were
compared and interpreted in light of previous studies which also showed that Hg
concentration is very high in indigenous coal. Hydrocarbons i.e. benzene, toluene, and
m-xylene (BTX) were analyzed and high toluene concentration is found in all coal
samples with a minor concentration of m-xylene in the sample collected from the local
market, brick kilns and Fecto-cement. The coal mined from Thar and used in brick kiln
3 brought from Dalwal city have the same quality and can be used as a substitute for
imported coal.
