EDXRF analysis of coal, shale and sandstone from boreholes of Jharia and Ranchi coal field

The major and trace element concentrations of relevant elements e.g. Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Rb and Sr in the coal, shale and sandstone samples collected in boreholes from two coalfields, i.e, Jharia and near Ranchi were estimated by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXRF). The elemental profile in the coal samples reflected the elemental compositions determined in the shale and sandstone. Sulphur level in the coal samples, an important parameter for quality of coal was measured to be 0.93% w/w from Jharia field which was nearly two folds higher than the coal samples from Ranchi (0.5% w/w) area. Some of the trace elements in Ranchi coal were found to be significantly higher than the Jharia coal, which can be attributed to its higher grade and also difference in Provenance. (author)