Geochemistry of Croatian superhigh-organic-sulphur Raa coal, imported low-S coal, and bottom ash: their Se and trace metal fingerprints in seawater, clover, foliage, and mushroom specimens

Abstract

Copyright © 2018 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. The Labin City area has represented the major Croatian coal mining, metal industry and coal-fired electricity centre for more than two centuries. The domestic superhigh-organic-sulphur (SHOS) Raša coal is a unique variety compared to other coal types worldwide, based on its highest organic sulphur values, up to 11%. It was utilised in the Plomin coal-fired power plant during the period 1970-2000, and was replaced by an imported low-S coal afterwards. This paper presents the levels of S, Se, V, U, Hg, Sr, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Zn in the two coal types, their bottom ash, seawater and plant (clover, mushroom and foliage) specimens collected from the Labin City area, while the sulphate was measured in surface stream water. Their levels were compared with relevant legislative as well as the published data from different world localities. Data analysis was interpreted in the context of past and recent coal combustion activities.