Toxic elements mobility in coal and ashes of Figueira coal power plant, Brazil

During operation, the coal power plant produces solid waste (bottom and fly ash) and uncontrolled ashes disposal could lead to environmental contamination. Major and trace elements (Al, Fe, Ti, Ca, Mg, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn, V) were determined in coal and ashes of the power plant of Figueira (Brazil) and their mobility evaluated by total and available metal concentration ratio. The total concentration was determined by WDXRF technique and the available concentration (after extraction with EDTA) by ICP-OES technique. The results showed a high total concentration for As and Zn (average 270 and 391 mg kg−1) in coal and (average 974 and 1330 mg kg−1) in fly ashes. The high mobility of As (>70%), followed by Mo (>55%) and next by Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb (30–5%) in ash can cause environmental impact. Arsenic could be considered the most critical element to be leached from ashes.