Abstract
The coal combustion processes constitute one of the major sources of heavy metals emission into the atmosphere. From the point of view of the reduction of the emission of heavy metals and the selection of the correct exhaust gas treatment system, it is important to monitor the amount of trace elements in the solid fuels and in the solid by-products from coal combustion. One of these highly toxic elements is arsenic. The average content of arsenic in Polish hard coals and lignites is 0 ÷ 40 mg/kg [1] and 5 ÷ 15 mg/kg [2], respectively. The world average content of arsenic in hard coals and lignites, is equal to 9.0 ± 0.8 and 7.4 ± 1.4 mg/kg [3], respectively. During coal combustion processes, a significant amount of arsenic enters the atmosphere through gases and fly ashes. The proportions in which those two forms of arsenic occur in exhaust gases depend on the conditions of combustion processes [4]. The aim of the research was to determine the content of arsenic in coal blends and by-products of their combustion (slag, fly ash, gypsum, filter cakes). The determination of the arsenic quantity was performed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with the electrothermal atomization.
Highlights
During the year in Poland the consumption of hard coal reaches about 72,8 million tons, nearly 60% of which is connected with the energy sector [5]
Apart from the application of flue gas treatment systems, modern coal combustion technologies including pulverized coal combustion, fluidized bed combustion system or supercritical and ultra-supercritical technologies have an impact on the emission of toxic elements [6]
The results of the investigations of the average arsenic content in samples of hard coal blends and in the solid by-products of their combustion were collected in table 3
Summary
During the year in Poland the consumption of hard coal reaches about 72,8 million tons, nearly 60% of which is connected with the energy sector [5]. A reduction in emissions of these elements and compounds into the environment is achieved in exploited installations through the use of different flue gas treatment systems (the post-combustion methods). Apart from the application of flue gas treatment systems, modern coal combustion technologies including pulverized coal combustion, fluidized bed combustion system or supercritical and ultra-supercritical technologies have an impact on the emission of toxic elements [6]. In Poland, during the combustion processes in the sector of production and transformation of energy, more than 4.8 Mg of arsenic and its compounds are emitted annually [7]. Arsenic has a negative impact on living organisms. It causes, among others, nervous system disorders, heart functions disorder or hepatic impairment. It is regarded by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a carcinogenic element [9, 10]
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