Review of Current Information on Some Ecological and Health Related Aspects of the Release of Trace Metals into the Environment Associated with the Combustion of Coal

摘要

A review of recent information on the environmental levels, ecological effects and health effects of thirty five elements which may be released into the environment by the combustion of coal is presented. Elements discussed include: Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Te, Ti, Tl, U, V, W and Zn. Fourteen of these elements are found to be potentially harmful to organisms from various ecosystems either through direct contact or secondarily through incorporation in food chains. Of these, the trace elements found to be potentially harmful to man and usually other biota include: As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn and Tl. Those elements which are primarily deleterious to organisms other than man include: Ag, Cu, F and Zn. Another six elements, Ba, Bi, Co, Ga, Mn and Te, remain questionable as to whether they are of environmental concern. Vanadium is important as an indicator of the combustion of fossil fuels. (131 references). (ERA citation 02:060838)