Distribution of Selected Critical Elements in the Carboniferous Coal-bearing Series of the Upper Silesian and Lublin Coal Basins (Poland)

The distribution of selected critical elements in the sedimentary rocks of the Carboniferous coal-bearing series within the Polish Coal Basins is presented. Critical elements such as Be, Mg, Si, P, Sc, V, Co, Y, Nb, In, Sb, La, Ce, Hf, Ta, W, Bi were analysed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). Concentrations of elements such as Sb, Bi, In and, to a slightly lesser extent, Nb, as well as Sc, show average concentrations higher than those from the upper continental crust. The average concentrations of elements like Hf, Mg, P, Y, La, and Ce are slightly lower than in the upper continental crust. Other elements, such as Be, Co, Si, Ta, W and V have average concentrations that are similar, but slightly enriched or slightly depleted, relative to the upper continental crust. The research showed enrichment of some critical elements in the analysed samples, but not high enough that extraction would be economically viable. Statistical methods, which include correlation coefficients between elements and cluster analysis, reveal a strong positive correlation between elements like Be, Bi, Nb, Sc, Ta, W and V. Very high, almost total, positive correlation is also noted between La and Ce.