Status of Research on Physical, Chemical and Biological Characterization of Particulate and Organic Emissions from Conventional and Fluidized-Bed Combustion of Coal: 1976 to the Present (167 References).

摘要

This report provides a summary of the relevant data available on particulate and organic emissions from combustion of coal. Solid wastes from coal combustion technologies, SO/sub x/, NO/sub x/ and CO sub 2 emissions have not been addressed in this report. Also, a risk analysis of the potential health and environmental effects of fluidized bed combustion of coal is not covered in this report. The following is a summary of the major conclusions: (1) Emissions of fine particulates in the respirable size range for man have been found to be comparable from pulverized coal combustors (PCC) and fluidized bed combustors (FBC) of coal. (2) A number of reports are available on the inorganic emissions from coal combustion in the form of fly ash. Some potentially toxic metals are concentrated on the fine particles of PCC ash. Less enrichment of these metals on fly ash from FBC has been found. Overall emission rates of potentially toxic trace metals are comparable between PCC and FBC. (3) Much less information is available on the organic emissions from coal combustion. From the information available, vapor phase and particle-associated organic emissions from FBC appear to be somewhat higher than from PCC. Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been identified in organic extracts of fly ash. (4) Organic extracts of fly ash from both PCC and FBC can be mutagenic in in vitro test systems. However, the extractable material from fly ash is less than from other common urban pollutants such as diesel exhaust. (5) Little information is available on the pulmonary retention of fly ash. Some information is available from rodent studies. (6) From the available information on the inhalation toxicity of fly ash, it appears that fly ash has a relatively low order of toxicity following inhalation. Recommendations of future research needs are presented. 167 references. (ERA citation 08:035110)