Light and trace element composition of Carboniferous coals from the Donets Basin (Ukraine): An electron microprobe study

Highly variable trace element concentrations of ash residues were determined for Donbas coals, with measured As contents up to several thousand ppm. Despite enrichment in epigenetic pyrite, a clearly isolated inorganic source could not be identified, suggesting that trace element storage in macerals is an important factor. EPMA measurements revealed an organic matter affinity for at least part of the investigated elements (e.g. Hg, Mo, Pb).