Environmentally sensitive trace elements in the Talcher and Ib valley coalfields: occurrence and environmental implications

Coal’s extensive use releases environmentally significant trace elements. This study investigates the occurrence and distribution of trace elements in coal from the Talcher and Ib Valley coalfields. Ten environmentally sensitive elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba, Sr and Pb) were examined, with Cr (306.69 mg/kg) and Ni (144.61 mg/kg) showing the highest average concentrations, followed by Ba (42.05 mg/kg) and Mn (17.95 mg/kg), while the remaining elements occur at