Environmentally Sensitive Major and Trace Elements in Indonesian Coal and Their Geochemical Significance

Coal samples from Tarakan basin of East Kalimantan, Indonesia are analyzed for selected major and trace elements and significance of the relationships established among them. They contain high concentrations of Ca, Fe, Mn, Na, K, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn as compared to Clark's values for upper continental crust and bituminous coals. The correlation matrix among them indicates a positive relation of Cr, Fe, Mn, Na, K, and total sulphur with inorganic matter. This indicates their derivation from a detrital source. However, Ni and Ca have shown a strong affinity with organic matter.