%0 Journal Article
	%A R. E. Masto and  L. C. Ram and  S. K. Verma and  V. A. Selvi and  J. George and  R. C. Tripathi and  N. K. Srivastava and  D. Mohanty and  S. K.Jha and  A. K. Sinha and  A. Sinha
	%D 2011
	%J International Journal of Geological and Environmental Engineering
	%B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
	%I Open Science Index 52, 2011
	%T Rare Earth Elements in Soils of Jharia Coal Field
	%U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/10112
	%V 52
	%X There are many sources trough which the soil get
enriched and contaminated with REEs. The determination of REEs in
environmental samples has been limited because of the lack of
sensitive analytical techniques. Soil samples were collected from
four sites including open cast coal mine, natural coal burning, coal
washery and control in the coal field located in Dhanbad, India.
Total concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) were determined
using the inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry
in order to assess enrichment status in the coal field. Results showed
that the mean concentrations of La, Pr, Eu, Tb, Ho, and Tm in open
cast mine and natural coal burning sites were elevated compared to
the reference concentrations, while Ce, Nd, Sm, and Gd were
elevated in coal washery site. When compared to reference soil,
heavy REEs (HREEs) were enriched in open cast mines and natural
coal burning affected soils, however, the HREEs were depleted in the
coal washery sites. But, the Chondrite-normalization diagram showed
significant enrichment for light REEs (LREEs) in all the soils. High
concentration of Pr, Eu, Tb, Ho, Tm, and Lu in coal mining and coal
burning sites may pose human health risks. Factor analysis showed
that distribution and relative abundance of REEs of the coal washery
site is comparable with the control. Eventually washing or cleaning
of coal could significantly decrease the emission of REEs from coal
into the environment.
	%P 272 - 277