ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC ELEMENTS IN COAL USED IN CEMENT INDUSTRY, BRICK KILNS, THAR MINES AND COMMON MARKET (USED IN HOUSEHOLD) IN PAKISTAN

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.