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Content archived on 2022-11-21

Balance and fate of heavy metals during the process of carbonisation of coal

Objective

In view of their toxicity, trace elements (heavy metals) are receiving increasing attention in the context of both safety at work and environmental protection. As a result, they are the subject of various national and international regulations.

It is not yet known to what extent coking plants contribute to heavy metal pollution. The aim of the research project is to clarify this.
The heavy metal grades measured by relatively old batteries at the working posts and on the top of the ovens appeared to be from 200 to 5000 times lower than the limit values of exposition advised in France, the concentrations in zinc and lead being preponderant with levels from 1 to 3 mg/m{3}.

The concentrations in heavy metals in the grounds measured in the close environment of a coke site don't reveal a very deep pollution either, if it is referred to the local geochemical ground, the values observed don't generally exceed on average the Dutch B threshold. Only the zinc and the lead (siderurgic activity tracer), the arsenic which had a high grade for the geochemical ground of the studied site, and the zirconium (marker of the used coal) showed peculiar values.

Generally speaking, the conclusion of this study is that the problem of heavy metals on the working places and in the close environment of the coking plants is not to be feared.
The LECES programme comprises the following items:

Harmonization of metrological techniques

This involves:

- the testing of sampling methods and techniques for storing samples, and
- the definition of vectors and methods of analysis suitable for heavy metals,
for the media air, water, soil and plants.

Measurement series in coking plants

Several series of heavy metal measurements will be carried out at workplaces in different coking plants, using both personal and fixed-location sampling. The results will be interpreted taking into account the characteristics of the coking plants in question, operating conditions and meteorological factors.

Impact on the environment

This will cover air, water, soil and plants for the coking plants concerned. The data obtained will be subjected to statistical analysis in order to obtain a precise picture of the part played by coking plants in heavy metal pollution.

Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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Coordinator

Laboratoire d'Etude et de Contrôle de l'Environnement Sidérurgique (LECES)
EU contribution
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Address
Voie Romaine
57212 Maizieres-les-Metz
France

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Total cost
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