Release and removal using sorbents of chromium from a high-Cr lignite in Shenbei coalfield, China

► The occurrence of chromium in high-chromium coals was determined and it mainly occurs as organic macromolecules. ► The emission concentration of chromium in PM10 during Shenbei high-chromium coal combustion is up to 0.331 mg/Nm3. ► Bauxite has the highest retention rate for Chromium from high-Cr coal combustion.