Article
Energy & Fuels
James C. Hower, Cortland F. Eble, Michelle N. Johnston, Leslie F. Ruppert, Shelley D. Hopps, Tonya D. Morgan
Summary: The Leatherwood coal in eastern Kentucky is an important energy resource in the region. The coal sample contains elements such as Ge and Ga, which are enriched near the adjacent rocks. Arsenic and other chalcophile elements are concentrated at the top and bottom of the seam profiles. Manganese enrichment is found in bright lithologies at one site. The coal samples have a light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment, while the basal lithotype has a heavy rare earth element (HREE) enrichment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bo Jiu, Zhijun Jin, Zhaoguo Wang
Summary: This study investigated the distribution characteristics and modes of occurrence of rare elements, dispersed elements, and rare earth elements in two selected coal samples from different coalfields in China. The results showed that the rare elements were mainly associated with kaolinite in the Al-Li-Ga-rich coal, while the dispersed elements were consistently distributed in coal and concentrated in organic matter in the Ge-rich coal. The study also provided visualized results that confirmed previous findings and revealed some differences.
Article
Geology
Zhiyong Wang, Wenwu Zhao, Jian Liang, Jingyan Lin, Wenmu Guo, Shiming Liu, Mengqi Du, Cunliang Zhao
Summary: In this study, the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Pennsylvanian No. 21 coal seam at the Huixiang Mine in the Dengfeng Coalfield, North China were investigated. The coal was found to be semi-anthracite and contained NH4- illite, kaolinite, calcite, and chlorite as the predominant minerals. The coal was slightly enriched with Li, Zr, Nb, Ta, and Th, making it a potential candidate for industrial recovery.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Gabriel Jimenez-Skrzypek, Cintia Hernandez-Sanchez, Cecilia Ortega-Zamora, Javier Gonzalez-Salamo, Miguel Angel Gonzalez-Curbelo, Javier Hernandez-Borges
Summary: Plastic pollution, especially the presence of microplastics, is a major concern in environmental pollution. The wide distribution and constant accumulation of microplastics have led to their classification as contaminants. Analytical methods for organic contaminants in microplastics are complex and challenging due to the variability in composition, sizes, and shapes of microplastics.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qi Li, Wencai Zhang
Summary: Prior research has shown that calcination pretreatment can greatly enhance the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal. This study performed sequential chemical extraction tests on raw and calcined coals to investigate the effects of calcination temperature on the occurrence modes of REEs and other selected elements. The experimental results revealed that various reactions occurred during the calcination process, which collectively determined the occurrence modes of REEs. These findings contribute to the recovery and comprehensive utilization of REEs in coal.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xiao Li, Shifeng Dai, Victor P. Nechaev, Ian T. Graham, David French, Xibo Wang, Lei Zhao, Jingtao Zhao
Summary: This paper reports the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Late Permian C1 Coal from Bole and Laibin mines in eastern Yunnan, Southwestern China. The coals are enriched in V, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se, which were mainly derived from the sediment-source region of the Kangdian Upland.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Gurusamy Kutralam-Muniasamy, Fermin Perez-Guevara, I. Elizalde Martinez, V. C. Shruti
Summary: Identification and quantification of metals in microplastics are crucial for determining exposure levels and potential toxicity. Effective protocols and techniques for accurate metal quantification are essential. The review highlights the variability in methods and elements analyzed, emphasizing the need for standardization in future research.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bo Yang, Chen Cheng, Yuanxin Li, Wei Cheng, Jingkun Zang, Xiangping Lai, Xiaorui Wang
Summary: Rare earth elements (REY) have been found to have high content in coal, mainly existing in kaolinite, possibly in the form of adsorption. The study provides scientific references for potential extraction of associated REY in coal.
JOURNAL OF RARE EARTHS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaobing Wang, Lingmei Zhou, Shuquan Zhu, Hao Zheng, Yue Ma, Yuchen Liu, Chenxin Jia, Changjiang Zhou, Lijuan Bie, Guanjun Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the modes of occurrence of chromium (Cr) in low-rank coal and its thermal stability during pyrolysis through experimental and simulation methods. The results showed that organic matter, aluminosilicate, and carbonate were the dominant modes of Cr occurrence, and the presence of chlorine affected its volatilization. Furthermore, the release temperature for Cr bound to aluminosilicate was higher compared to Cr bound to organic matter.
Review
Energy & Fuels
James C. Hower, Robert B. Finkelman, Cortland F. Eble, Barbara J. Arnold
Summary: Coal is a complex combination of macerals, minerals, and inorganic elements, along with liquids, gases, and semi-solid organics, all modified by coal metamorphism. Proper coal characterization is essential for academic research and industrial utilization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Na Xu, Qiang Li, Wei Zhu, Qing Li, Robert B. Finkelman, Mark A. Engle, Ru Wang, Zhiwei Wang
Summary: The modes of occurrence of elements in coal are crucial for understanding the origin of inorganic components in coal, evaluating their impact on the environment and human health, and studying the deposition process of coal seams. This study proposes the use of the Peter-Clark algorithm to analyze the modes of occurrence of elements in coal and evaluates its performance using real coal samples. The results demonstrate the superiority of the Peter-Clark algorithm over the hierarchical clustering algorithm in analyzing the modes of occurrence of elements in coal.
Article
Geology
Bo Jiu, Wenhui Huang, Nana Mu
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics and origins of lithium in enriched coal and coal seams in the southern margin of the Ordos Basin using various analytical techniques. The results showed that lithium mainly accumulates in clay minerals in the coal seams, and the contribution of volcanic ash to coal was supported by the presence of high-temperature minerals. The enrichment of lithium in the coal-measure strata is controlled by multiple factors.
ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Thermodynamics
Biao Fu, James C. Hower, Wencai Zhang, Guangqian Luo, Hongyun Hu, Hong Yao
Summary: This review critically summarizes recent progress in the study of REY in coal ash, evaluating the content, speciation, and extraction potentials of REY. It discusses the different forms, distribution behavior, and transformation mechanisms of REY in coal ash, and proposes possible retention mechanisms of REY by aluminosilicate glass at boiler temperature. The modification of REY speciation in fly ash by reactions with flue gas components and current extraction techniques for REY recovery from coal combustion ash are also highlighted.
PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guoqiang Wu, Nan Shi, Tao Wang, Chin-Min Cheng, Jiawei Wang, Chunxiao Tian, Wei-Ping Pan
Summary: Coal ash has been identified as an important alternative source of rare earth elements (REEs). This study investigated the enrichment and occurrence form of REEs in coal ash, specifically in coal fly ash (CFA) from power plants. The findings revealed the higher enrichment ratio of REEs in CFA compared to ashes from muffle furnace, which was attributed to several factors including the fractionation of coal ashes, higher combustion temperature, and longer residence time of fly ash. The study also highlighted the important role of aluminum in the occurrence form of REEs in CFA. These experimental and computational results provide valuable insights for understanding the distribution of REEs in CFA and optimizing their extraction processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruifeng Mu, Shaoqing Wang, Xiaoling Wang, Yungang Zhao, Zeyu Dong
Summary: Quantum chemical density functional theory was used to investigate the occurrence mechanism of critical metals (Li+ and Ge4+) in organic molecular structures of different rank coals. The results showed that the adsorption of Li+ was mainly controlled by the carbonyl group (C=O) in organic molecular structures, while Ge4+ showed strong binding ability with oxygen functional groups and formed thermodynamically stable half-sandwich complexes with aromatic structures. The adsorption energy values for Li+ and Ge4+ were -742.16 kJ/mol and -8511.43 kJ/mol, respectively.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhang Wen, Li Yuhong, Zhao Fenghua, Zhou Zheng, Han Wei, Zhou Junlin, Zhang Qiao
ACTA GEOLOGICA SINICA-ENGLISH EDITION
(2020)
Article
Geography, Physical
Kangying Zhu, Zhigang Sun, Fenghua Zhao, Ting Yang, Zhenrong Tian, Jianbin Lai, Buju Long, Shiji Li
ISPRS JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Minglian Shen, Shifeng Dai, Ian T. Graham, Victor P. Nechaev, David French, Fenghua Zhao, Longyi Shao, Shande Liu, Jianping Zuo, Jingtao Zhao, Kun Chen, Xuanhao Xie
Summary: This study analyzes the mineralogical and geochemical compositions of volcanic ashes from the Late Permian coal-bearing strata in southwest China, revealing their distinct classification into tonsteins and K-bentonites based on the relative abundances of kaolinite and mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S). The volcanic ashes are associated with felsic volcanic eruptions and likely originated from at least two felsic sources, indicating a complex geological history in the region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COAL GEOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Wang, Qingying Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiaohua Li, Shunan Zheng, Fenghua Zhao
Summary: Heavy metal pollution of farmland is a global issue, and using low HM accumulating cultivars can mitigate the risk of crop contamination, by limiting Cd translocation in different plant parts.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ying Hu, Haiwei Jiang, Mei Hu, Yunyan Liu, Fenghua Zhao, Weiran Yang
Summary: By catalytic hydrogenolysis, As-enriched Pteris vittata L. was converted into high-quality biofuel, effectively treating heavy metals and reducing arsenic content. The main products, C5 and C6 furans and low oxygen content ketones, have high potential as biofuel and commercial applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Haiwei Jiang, Rongwei Yan, Chang Cai, Xingfan Chen, Fenghua Zhao, Liangliang Fan, Chunbao Charles Xu, Weiran Yang
Summary: This study successfully reduced the nitrogen content and increased the bio-oil yield by treating cadmium-enriched Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. with hydrothermal liquefaction in ethanol-water co-solvent. The acetic acid in the acidic aqueous phase may act as a catalyst during the APR process, leading to improved bio-oil yield.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Shangqing Zhang, Xuefei Liu, Fenghua Zhao, Dongna Liu, Yu Zou, Wenxu Zhang, Xile Liu, Li Li, Lihua Zhao
Summary: Karst bauxite resources are abundant in Shanxi Province, formed in the Benxi Formation of the Carboniferous period. These resources are rich in critical metals, with iron-rich clays mainly weathered from carbonates below and the bauxite ore and top clay having allochthonous protoliths.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xile Liu, Fenghua Zhao, Hongyu Guo, Zhiwei Dong, Yunsong Li, Ye Shen, Xiaokai Xu
Summary: Weathering increases humic acid content in coal, reduces aromaticity, and decreases coal crystallinity, which facilitates microbial degradation and utilization of coal.
NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Ning Wang, Shifeng Dai, Victor P. Nechaev, David French, Ian T. Graham, Fenghua Zhao, Jianping Zuo
Summary: This paper examines the occurrence of siderite in tuffaceous mudstone from Yujingshan, eastern Yunnan, southwestern China, suggesting a hybrid origin for siderite formation involving hydrothermal alteration of volcanic materials. The findings indicate a relationship between siderite and minerals like quartz, ilmenite, and chromite, with calculated values for paleosalinity and paleotemperature.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuehua Hou, Dongna Liu, Fenghua Zhao, Linhua Zhong, N. Nnachi Emmanuel, Qi Zhang
Summary: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the geological characteristics affecting coalbed methane (CBM) enrichment in the Anze area in China and predict the optimal CBM enrichment zones. The study revealed that the adsorption capacities and coal structure varied in different regions, and the degree of fracture development and reservoir fractal dimension also had an impact. Favorable reservoir conditions were found in specific areas in the northern and southern parts.
NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Wang, Xiaoyong Liao, Fenghua Zhao, Baolin Yang, Qingying Zhang
Summary: This study explores feasible technologies for different risk lands and develops a practical solution for safe rice production at a regional scale. The study finds that foliar fertilizers and alkaline fertilizers can effectively reduce cadmium accumulation and increase grain compliance rate. The spatial division based on conditional inference tree provides a precise and differentiated solution for regional management strategies of cadmium-polluted paddy fields.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Zewei Yue, Zhao Li, Guirui Yu, Zhi Chen, Peili Shi, Yunfeng Qiao, Kun Du, Chao Tian, FengHua Zhao, Peifang Leng, Zhaoxin Li, Hefa Cheng, Gang Chen, Fadong Li
Summary: Investigating the response of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) to phenological variation for crop ecosystems is important for understanding the impact of climate change on agriculture. However, the controlling mechanisms for rotation cropland ecosystems have not been well understood. This study used a 16-year flux observation to explore the potential of carbon flux phenology (CFP) and abiotic factors in interpreting the interannual variability (IAV) of NEP. The results showed that NEP was significantly controlled by different factors in wheat and maize seasons, and the carbon budgets varied depending on the season.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liang Wang, Baolin Yang, Qiqing Liu, Qingying Zhang, Fenghua Zhao, Yuxuan Xiao, Xiaoyong Liao
Summary: A low-cost practical technology to reduce cadmium pollution in rice has been discovered in southern China. By using alkaline Si-rich compound materials, grain cadmium content can be decreased by 75% on average, while increasing rice yield and improving soil quality. These compound materials also inhibit soil acidification, increase available phosphorus and silicon, and reduce available cadmium content. The alkaline environment created by the alkaline components effectively prevents the formation of Fe/Mn plaques on the root surface and reduces cadmium uptake. Additionally, the increase in available silicon inhibits cadmium translocation from roots to stems.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Zewei Yue, Zhao Li, Guirui Yu, Zhi Chen, Peili Shi, Yunfeng Qiao, Kun Du, Chao Tian, Fenghua Zhao, Peifang Leng, Zhaoxin Li, Hefa Cheng, Gang Chen, Fadong Li
Summary: This study characterized the CO2 fluxes of a winter wheat-summer maize rotation cropland in different growing periods and identified the driving factors using long-term monitoring data. Leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and soil water content (SWC) were found to be important drivers of CO2 fluxes in both wheat and maize seasons. The findings provide valuable insights into the carbon cycle of cropland ecosystems under climate change.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2023)