ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Distributions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
in Coal in China
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1
School of Environmental Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
2
Low Carbon Energy Institute, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
Submission date: 2018-01-28
Final revision date: 2018-04-01
Acceptance date: 2018-04-11
Online publication date: 2018-12-13
Publication date: 2019-02-18
Corresponding author
Qiyan Feng
China University of Mining and Technology
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2019;28(3):1665-1674
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ABSTRACT
Groundwater level rises rapidly when mine drainage systems stop functioning after mine closures.
Free-form polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in residual pillaring and abandoned mining
levels could continue to migrate because of eluviation leaching. Moreover, other aquifers are polluted
with mine water through mining-induced fractures, faults, and poorly sealed drill holes. Therefore,
the distributions of 16-PAHs in raw coal mined in China and the factors influencing these distributions
were analyzed to assist mine closures. The results showed that the average concentration of PAHs
was 10.540±7.973 μg/g in the raw coal samples, and PAHs with low molecular weights had the highest
abundances, accounting for 44% of the total PAH concentration obtained. The highest concentration
of 16-PAHs was observed in bituminous coals, followed by that in lignite, and the lowest is anthracite.
The influence factors analysis reveals that carbon content, volatile matter, H/C, and O/C have
a significant effect on PAH content in raw coals. The volatile matter and molar ratio of H/C play
a leading role in the changing process in 16 PAHs, accounting for more than 60% of the total
contribution.