Finding Solutions to Potential Health and Environmental Problems Associated with Coal Liquefaction Materials

Abstract

Chemically complex materials produced by different coal liquefaction processes and under various stages of process design and operating conditions have been screened for potential health and environmental effects. Biologically active components of these materials have been identified, and the environmental fate of problematic agents is currently being determined. Coal-derived liquids are generally more active than shale oil and petroleum crudes in biological test systems. Biologically active agents include primary aromatic amines, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols and others. However, both synergistic and antagonistic interactions occur among constituents of chemically complex mixtures. Hydrotreating, a refining or upgrading process, selective distillation, other process conditions and environmental factors also influence chemical characteristics and biological activity of coal-derived materials. Eliminating toxic input of coal liquids to ecological test systems results in partial system recovery. The growing health and environmental data-base has provided input for assessment, and has been used by developers to design occupational health and industrial hygiene programs and to select process modifications and product slates that minimize risk to man and the environment. The data may also aid selection of control technologies, mitigative strategies, special handling and accident prevention procedures or spill-cleanup options to enhance the environmental acceptability of a coal liquefaction industry.