An investigation of trace metals in the aqueous environment near a coal‐fired power generation plant

Abstract

This study investigates the presence and concentrations of the trace metals Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, and Ni in the sediment of lakes surrounding a coal‐fired power plant southwest of Houston, Texas. Sediment samples from 20 to 30 centimeter depths were extracted from each lake and analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The higher trace metal concentrations were found in the top portion of most samples, which indicates the presence of one or more factors that would influence a topical elemental increase. One such factor would be area industrialization, hence the nearby fossil fuel power plant.

With advances in technology and increases in industrialization come concerns about the preservation of the environment. It has become the interest of the general populous to maintain conditions favorable to the support of human and ecological systems. This report provides background data that can be used to monitor man's influence on the aqueous environment surrounding a coal‐powered plant in the nearby area.

Key words:

• Trace metals
• environment
• coal
• power plant
• pollution

Notes

To whom correspondence should be made.