Isotopic and chemical characterization of coal in Pakistan

Stable carbon isotope ratios (delta /sup 13/C % PDB) and toxic/trace element concentration levels are determined for tertiary coal samples collected from seven coal fields in Pakistan. No systematic isotope effects are found in the process of coalification from peat to tertiary lignites and sub-bituminous coal. Similarly, no age effects are observed during the Tertiary regime. The observed variations in the carbon isotopic composition of coal obtained from 'Sharigh coal field' and the 'Sor-range/Degarl coalfield'. In Balochistan are attributes to the depositional environments. More sampling/stable carbon isotope analysis are required to validate these observations. Significant concentrations of toxic elements such as S, Cr, Cd and Pb in Makarwal coal may pose environmental and engineering/operational problems for thermal power plants. (author)