@article{2-s2.0-85191987749,

title = {Quality assessment of biomass pellets available on the market; example from Poland},

author = { A. Drobniak and Z. Jelonek and M. Mastalerz and I. Jelonek and K. Widziewicz-Rzońca},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85191987749&doi=10.1007%2fs11356-024-33452-1&partnerID=40&md5=62bf124ba993e9a05409f16048ae469b},

doi = {10.1007/s11356-024-33452-1},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-01-01},

journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research},

volume = {31},

number = {23},

pages = {33942-33959},

publisher = {Springer},

abstract = {This study evaluates the quality of 30 biomass pellets sold for residential use in Poland. It provides data on their physical, chemical, and petrographic properties and compares them to existing standards and the information provided by the fuel producers. The results reveal considerable variations in the quality of the pellets and show that some of the purchased samples are not within the DINplus and/or ENplus certification thresholds. Among all 30 purchased samples, only one passes the quality thresholds set by the PL-US BIO, a newly established quality certification in Poland that combines quality assessment following DINplus with optical microscopy analysis. The primary issues causing a decrease in pellet quality include elevated ash and fines content, compromised mechanical durability, too low ash melting temperature, and additions of undesired additions like bark, inorganic matter, and petroleum products. Our research highlights the need for improved fuel quality control measures, and transparent and accurate product labeling, as well as the need for a comprehensive and publicly available national database of solid biomass fuel producers and fuels sold. These are essential steps toward increasing customers’ awareness and trust, encouraging them to embrace biomass fuels as reliable and sustainable sources of energy. © The Author(s) 2024.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85168546328,

title = {Interlaboratory study: Testing reproducibility of solid biofuels component identification using reflected light microscopy},

author = { A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and Z. Jelonek and I. Jelonek and T. Adsul and N.M. Andolšek and O.H. Ardakani and T. Congo and B. Demberelsuren and B.S. Donohoe and A. Douds and D. Flores and R. Ganzorig and S. Ghosh and A.P. Giże and P.A. Gonçalves and P.C. Hackley and J.J. Hatcherian and J.C. Hower and S. Kalaitzidis and S. Kędzior and W.R. Knowles and J. Kus and K. Lis and G.P. Lis and Be. Liu and Q. Luo and M. Du and D.K. Mishra and M. Misz-Kennan and T. Mugerwa and J.L. Nedzweckas and J.M.K. O'Keefe and Ja. Park and R. Pearson and H.I. Petersen and J. Reyes and J. Ribeiro and G. de la Rosa-Rodríguez and P. Sosnowski and B.J. Valentine and A.K. Varma and M. Wojtaszek-Kalaitzidi and Zh. Xu and A. Zdravkov and K. Ziemianin},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85168546328&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2023.104331&partnerID=40&md5=437705b071d6453eaaf41d2816f52333},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2023.104331},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {277},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Considering global market trends and concerns about climate change and sustainability, increased biomass use for energy is expected to continue. As more diverse materials are being utilized to manufacture solid biomass fuels, it is critical to implement quality assessment methods to analyze these fuels thoroughly. One such method is reflected light microscopy (RLM), which has the potential to complement and enhance current standard testing, leading to improving fuel quality assessment and, ultimately, preventing avoidable air pollution. An interlaboratory study (ILS) was conducted to test the reproducibility of biomass fuels component identification using a reflected light microscopy technique. The exercise was conducted on thirty photomicrographs showing biomass and various undesired components (like plastics or mineral matter), which were purposely added (by the ILS organizers) to contaminate wood pellets and charcoal-based grilling fuels. Forty-six participants had various levels of difficulty identifying the marked components, and as a result, the percentage of correct answers ranged from 52.2 to 94.4%. Among the most difficult components to distinguish were petroleum products and inorganic matter. Various reasons led to the misidentification, including insufficient morphological descriptions of the components provided to participants, ambiguities of the nomenclature, limitations of the analytical and exercise method, and insufficient experience of the participants. Overall, the results indicate that RLM has the potential to enhance the quality assessment of biomass fuels. However, they also demonstrate that the petrographic classification used in this exercise requires further refinement before it can be standardized. While a new simplified classification of solid biomass fuels components was created as an outcome of this study, future research is necessary to refine the nomenclature, develop a microscopic morphological description of the components, and verify the accuracy of component identification with a follow-up ILS. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85153579912,

title = {Geocatalytically generated methane from low-maturity coal and shale source rocks at low temperatures (80–120 °C) over 52 months},

author = { Be. Liu and A. Schimmelmann and M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and X. Ma},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85153579912&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2023.104250&partnerID=40&md5=4a400161206c4e6c2406a9d88863efcf},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2023.104250},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {272},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Geocatalytic methanogenesis has been proposed to contribute to methane generation from low-maturity coal and shale source rocks. This study contributes further evidence for geocatalytic methanogenesis from low-maturity source rocks based on long-term experiments lasting up to 52 months. Samples from the Upper Devonian New Albany Shale (Ro 0.54 %) and Springfield Coal No. 2 (Pennsylvanian; Ro 0.54 %) were heated in glass tubes at 80, 100, and 120 °C for 52 months. Sample aliquots from the Upper Cretaceous Second White Specks Formation (Ro 0.42 %) were heated in gold tubes at 80 and 100 °C for 42 months at elevated hydrostatic pressures of 100 to 300 MPa. The product gases — methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) — were collected and quantified, and gas yields were corrected for leakage from imperfectly closed pores in samples during heating. The results show that longer heating produced more CH4. The average CH4 yields from New Albany Shale and Springfield Coal No. 2 are 0.47 and 3.0 μmol CH4 per gram of total organic carbon (TOC) over 52 months of heating. Elevated hydrostatic pressure caused lower CH4 yields from the Second White Specks Formation (3.82 to 1.20 μmol g−1 TOC), suggesting that pressure can retard methanogenesis. Maceral type critically controls the methanogenesis potential of low-maturity coal and shale source rocks. Results of this study provide important insights to the origin of natural gas in low-maturity sedimentary basins. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {1},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85163606695,

title = {Variations in microscopic properties of biomass char: Implications for biochar characterization},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and D. Briggs and J. Bradburn},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85163606695&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2023.104235&partnerID=40&md5=2a7655473fb66b8bee0c3c36fa2ea840},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2023.104235},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {271},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced during the thermochemical conversion of biomass, is considered to be an important material for environmental applications and sustainable agriculture. With interest in its use growing, it is essential to understand how pyrolysis parameters control biochar properties and, subsequently, which analytical methods can be applied effectively in characterizing biochar. While various methods are already in use, the potential of reflected light microscopy analysis has not yet been widely explored. This paper focuses on examining the microscopic properties of various biochars by implementing reflected light microscopy and assessing whether this technique has the potential to deliver quick, reliable, and essential information for biochar characterization. To support microscopic observations, selected physical (density and surface area) and chemical parameters (carbon and sulfur content; functional group distribution) of biochar samples were also determined. Megascopically and microscopically there is a considerable difference among biochars of different feeds including their size and shape, porosity, ratio of the abundance of cellular to non-cellular pores, inorganic matter content, the ratio of thick-walled to thin-walled inertinite, or the ratio between high-reflectance inertinite to low-reflectance inertinite and their reactivity. The biochars studied also showed variations in the oxygenated groups contribution, a wide range of carbon content (14.7 to 98.8%), density (1.45 to 2.47 g/cm3), and surface areas (from <1 to 363.6 m2/g). Our results demonstrate that microscopic characteristics and reflectance of biochar can provide crucial diagnostic value for predicting biochar properties and, in combination with other physical and chemical properties, help to enhance information about the biomass conversion process and potential practical use of biochar. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85153081975,

title = {Residential gasification of solid biomass: Influence of raw material on emissions},

author = { A. Drobniak and Z. Jelonek and M. Mastalerz and I. Jelonek},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85153081975&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2023.104247&partnerID=40&md5=6f0ed35f6ddabdcef9e0c9d8cdc21dde},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2023.104247},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {271},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {With interest rising in biomass use, biomass gasification has the potential to become an imperative mechanism to deliver clean conversion of various types of solid biomass to gas. But as biomass gasification attracts growing interest, it is important to focus not only on the technological feasibility but also fully understand its environmental impact to eliminate avoidable air pollution. In this study, we investigated relationships between the composition of 14 types of solid biomass fuels and their gasification emissions in a small-scale residential outdoor setting. Our results show that the amount and type of produced emissions are strongly influenced by the gasified feed. Combining chemical and petrographic analysis proved to be a robust quality assessment method of solid biomass fuels, allowing for quick detection of their contaminants. These impurities can be directly correlated with elevated particulate matter emissions, CO, H2S, HCHO, NH3, SO2, NOx, and respiratory tract irritants. These observations show that quality testing of biomass fuels is critical not only for ensuring their high quality but also for predicting avoidable air pollution during their utilization. Although our data revealed relationships between the type of biomass fuel and gasification emissions, in general, our experiments show that small-scale gasification in a residential setting is a safe technology, and potential hazards can be eliminated by using certified fuels and ensuring appropriate distance from the source of emissions. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85172794753,

title = {From waste to value: recovering critical raw materials from urban mines in the European Union and United States [Od odpadu do wartości: odzyskiwanie surowców krytycznych z miejskich kopalni w Unii Europejskiej i Stanach Zjednoczonych]},

author = { R. Jędrusiak and B. Bielowicz and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85172794753&doi=10.24425%2fgsm.2023.147557&partnerID=40&md5=9c399f2b15a585b7448956d07e37554f},

doi = {10.24425/gsm.2023.147557},

issn = {08600953},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi / Mineral Resources Management},

volume = {39},

number = {3},

pages = {43-63},

publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},

abstract = {Municipal waste is a global issue and they are generated in all countries around the world. Both in the European Union and the United States, a common method of non-recyclable waste utilization is thermal incineration with energy recovery. As a result of this treatment, residual waste like bottom ash, air pollution control residues and fly ashes are generated. This research shows that residues from waste incineration can be a potential source of critical raw materials. The analysis of the available literature prove that the residues of municipal waste incinerators contain most of the elements important for the US and EU economies. Material flow analysis has shown that each year, the content of elemental copper in residues may be 29,000 Mg (USA) and 51,000 Mg (EU), and the amount of rare earth elements in residues exceeds their mining in the EU. In the case of other elements, their content may exceed their extraction by even over 300%. The recovery of elements is difficult due to their encapsulation in the aggregate matrix. The heterogeneous nature of residues and the many interactions between different components and incineration techniques can make the process of recovery complicated. Recovery plants should process as much of the residues as possible to make their recovery profitable. However, policy makers from the EU and the US are introducing new legal regulations to increase the availability of critical raw materials. In the EU, new regulations are planned that will require at least 15% of the annual consumption of critical raw materials to come from recycling. Therefore, innovative technologies for recovering critical raw materials from waste have a chance to receive subsidies for research and development. © 2023, Polska Akademia Nauk. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85137137150,

title = {Diversity and Composition of Methanotroph Communities in Caves},

author = { K.D. Webster and A. Schimmelmann and A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and L.R. Lagarde and P.J. Boston and J.T. Lennon},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85137137150&doi=10.1128%2fspectrum.01566-21&partnerID=40&md5=3a3ca4a82e500142182c8795c26a4d42},

doi = {10.1128/spectrum.01566-21},

issn = {21650497},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Microbiology Spectrum},

volume = {10},

number = {4},

publisher = {American Society for Microbiology},

abstract = {Methane oxidizing microorganisms (methanotrophs) are ubiquitous in the environment and represent a major sink for the greenhouse gas methane (CH4). Recent studies have demonstrated methanotrophs are abundant and contribute to CH4 dynamics in caves. However, very little is known about what controls the distribution and abundance of methanotrophs in subterranean ecosystems. Here, we report a survey of soils collected from . 20 caves in North America to elucidate the factors shaping cave methanotroph communities. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we recovered methanotrophs from nearly all (98%) of the samples, including cave sites where CH4 concentrations were at or below detection limits (#0.3 ppmv). We identified a core methanotroph community among caves comprised of high-affinity methanotrophs. Although associated with local-scale mineralogy, methanotroph composition did not systematically vary between the entrances and interior of caves, where CH4 concentrations varied. We also observed methanotrophs are able to disperse readily between cave systems showing these organisms have low barriers to dispersal. Lastly, the relative abundance of methanotrophs was positively correlated with cave-air CH4 concentrations, suggesting these microorganisms contribute to CH4 flux in subterranean ecosystems. © 2022 Webster et al.},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85133560920,

title = {Machine learning and data augmentation approach for identification of rare earth element potential in Indiana Coals, USA},

author = { Sn. Chatterjee and M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and C.Ö. Karacan},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133560920&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2022.104054&partnerID=40&md5=2e1b3b37e0f4b7b7eb6169735ffb07cb},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2022.104054},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {259},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Rare earth elements and yttrium (REYs) are critical elements and valuable commodities due to their limited availability and high demand in a wide range of applications and especially in high-technology products. The increased demand and geopolitical pressures motivate the search for alternative sources of REYs, and coal, coal waste, and coal ash are considered as new sources for these critical elements. This research evaluates the REY potential of coals from Indiana (USA). However, although coal data revealed REY potential, it suffered from sparse samples with complete REY measurements. Therefore, we explore the applicability of machine learning (ML) models and data augmentation techniques to demonstrate their applicability to evaluate REY potential in Indiana, and other areas in coal basins, using selected coal parameters (Al2O3; Fe2O3; C; Ash; S; P; Mo; Zn; and As contents) as covariates (indicators). Due to the relatively small sample size with complete REY data in the Indiana Coal Database, two data augmentation techniques (Random Over-Sampling Examples and Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique) were used. Four machine learning algorithms (linear discriminate analysis; support vector machine; random forest; and artificial neural networks) were applied for modeling REY potential as a classification problem. The results show that application of Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique prior to development of the support vector machine (SVM) models generated the best REY classification with an accuracy of 95%. The encouraging results based on Indiana coal data may suggest that a similar approach can be used for other coal basins for screening the locations with REY potential. Those locations then can be targeted for more detailed geochemical surveys to identify most promising areas and evaluate overall REY resources. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85088212281,

title = {Environmental history recorded over the last 70 years in Biển Hồ maar sediment, Central Highlands of Vietnam},

author = { H. Nguyen-Van and J.P. Schimmelmann and N.T. Duong and A.E.K. Ojala and I. Unkel and T. Nguyễn-Đình and Y. Fukumoto and K.E. Doiron and P.E. Sauer and A. Drobniak and N.T.Á. Nguyễn and Q. Đỗ-Trọng and H. Nguyễn-Thị and N.A. Duong and T. Nguyễn-Văn and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85088212281&doi=10.1016%2fj.quaint.2020.05.013&partnerID=40&md5=e4c5313622ea63ab08421ed8723496fe},

doi = {10.1016/j.quaint.2020.05.013},

issn = {10406182},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {Quaternary International},

volume = {621},

pages = {84-100},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {Global warming enhances atmospheric moisture loading and will likely affect the East-Asian monsoon system across Vietnam. The absence of a long written climate history from Vietnam creates a reliance on geological archives of past monsoon history and regional paleoenvironmental changes to provide a framework for evaluating current climatic trends. Biển Hồ lake (14°03′ N; 108°00′ E) is a volcanic crater (i.e. maar) in Vietnam's Central Highlands that has been accumulating sediment since the Pleistocene. Field campaigns between 2016 and 2018 recovered an abundance of gravity and piston sediment cores extending to a depth of ~15 m, covering approximately the last 30 ka BP. The paleoenvironmental interpretation of Pleistocene and Holocene sediment requires knowledge of modern lacustrine and sedimentary conditions, as well as the origin and transport pathways of the catchment material. Here, we focus on a high-resolution sedimentological and geochemical reconstruction of the recent environmental history - from 1950 AD to the present - based on sediment cores from Biển Hồ maar, in direct comparison with local and regional weather and historic records. The uppermost sedimentary record reflects a substantial anthropogenic influence such as deforestation, military use, crater breaching, dam and sill construction, and reforestation that strongly modified the maar's morphology and hydrology. A strong increase in sedimentation rate during the 1960–70s in Biển Hồ cores coincided with U.S. military activities and water withdrawal. A breach in the maar's rim and the connection to a new external reservoir in 1983-1984 AD increased Biển Hồ water level. Reforestation around most of Biển Hồ’s rim in the 1990s curbed erosion and sedimentation rate. Nutrient availability in Biển Hồ declined in the past ~10 years after the installation of a concrete sill between Biển Hồ and the reservoir to limit water exchange with the more nutrient-rich reservoir. This paper is a calibration study on modern sediment to provide an empirical basis for the interpretation of Biển Hồ’s deeper Holocene and pre-Holocene sedimentary record. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA},

note = {5},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85125908401,

title = {Developing methodology for petrographic analysis of solid biomass in reflected light},

author = { A. Drobniak and I. Jelonek and Z. Jelonek and M. Mastalerz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85125908401&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2022.103959&partnerID=40&md5=c19812b8087be7015bd6c7b8f61f2dc7},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2022.103959},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {253},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {As concerns about climate change and sustainability rise, biomass utilization has a potential to become one of the pillars of the future energy market. It is therefore critical to assure that solid biomass fuels are of the highest quality and do not contribute to avoidable air pollution. Our research has shown that petrographic analysis of solid biomass in reflected light can quickly and reliably provide information on fuel composition and contamination. As such, this technique has a potential to improve our understanding of raw fuel properties and, in some instances, even predict parameters of their combustion emissions. This paper provides guidelines for conducting microscopic analysis of wood pellets and charcoal-based fuels in reflected light. It presents two preliminary microscopic classifications of solid biomass components and emphasizes the need for training materials, exemplified by recently published photomicrograph atlases. Our research indicates that pairing reflected light microscopy with the currently used standard testing would enhance the quality assessment of solid biomass. To achieve this, the methodology must be promoted, tested for interlaboratory reproducibility, and finally standardized. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {6},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85118855276,

title = {Emissions during grilling with wood pellets and chips},

author = { Z. Jelonek and A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and I. Jelonek},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85118855276&doi=10.1016%2fj.aeaoa.2021.100140&partnerID=40&md5=edd454bf36947776e5a94290fb0cf3be},

doi = {10.1016/j.aeaoa.2021.100140},

issn = {25901621},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Atmospheric Environment: X},

volume = {12},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {The quality check of grilling wood pellets should be of a critical importance as smoke from their combustion has a direct contact with food, impacts human safety, and pollutes the atmosphere. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the purity of grilling wood pellets and chips available on the market, analyze the properties of their combustion gases, and determine if a relationship between the fuel composition and emissions during grilling can be established. In this study, we investigated 45 types of BBQ wood pellets and wood chips available for purchase in the USA and Europe. Based on reflected light microscopy analysis, the samples are composed dominantly of biomass, ranging from 87.5 to 99.8 vol % for wood pellets and 96.5 to 99.1 vol % for wood chips, with the average impurities content of 1.7 vol % for wood pellets and 2.2 vol % for wood chips. The undesired components included bark, mineral matter, charcoal, coke, metal, rust, slag, and petroleum products. Our data show that grilling with wood pellets and chips leads to elevated emissions of particulate matter (PM), NO2, SO2, CO, CO2, and formaldehyde in comparison with recommended exposure limits. The average emissions of PM are higher from wood chips than from pellets by approximately 85 μg/m3, and they come mainly from PM2.5; the contribution from PM of 2.5–10 μm in size is rather insignificant. CO2 emissions, on average 2.67% from pellets and 2.27% from wood chips, were elevated comparing with a typical outdoor air level of 0.03–0.05% (300–500 ppm). The level of emissions of individual components also changes during the grilling cycle, and depends on the type of combusted wood, grilling conditions and fuel moisture content. © 2021},

note = {2},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85107333325,

title = {Trace element partitioning during coal preparation: Insights from U.S. Illinois Basin coals},

author = { A. Kolker and C.T. Scott and L. Lefticariu and M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and A. Scott},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85107333325&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2021.103781&partnerID=40&md5=38660f2f7b999b6c59bb122134b7ee1b},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2021.103781},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {243},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {A suite of 72 samples of Illinois Basin coal was collected from 2015 to 2018, from 14 active coal mining and preparation operations in Illinois and Indiana. The goals of the study were to investigate the behavior of trace elements during coal preparation and provide current coal quality data for active mining operations in the Illinois Basin, which has become one of the most important suppliers of U.S. coal. Samples include raw coal, cleaned coal, and waste (refuse) coal. The efficiency of cleaning is shown by reduction of ash yield, increase in heating values, and a pronounced shift in the proportion of sulfur forms. In most raw coals, pyritic sulfur (Py S) exceeds organic sulfur (Org S; Org S/Py S ≤ 1.0), whereas in prepared coals, organic sulfur is the predominant sulfur form (Org S/Py S ≥ 1.0). In waste (refuse) coals, Org S/Py S is substantially reduced, or almost entirely in the pyritic form (Org S/Py S near zero). Trends in the distribution of inorganically-associated lithophile and chalcophile elements are shown, as well those for elements having mixed organic-inorganic associations and those that are primarily organic-hosted. Lithophile elements, including Li, Al, P, Ti, Sc, Rb, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, the lanthanides, Hf, Th, and U, are partitioned into waste coals with corresponding reduction in cleaned coals. At the same time, chalcophile elements hosted by pyrite, such as As, Sb, Hg, and Pb, are also partitioned into waste coals. Rare earth elements (REEs), including Sc, Y, and the lanthanides, are enriched in waste coals at levels that approximate their content in the upper continental crust (UCC). Several other critical elements, defined as mineral commodities deemed critical to the economy and security of the United States, including V, Cr, As, Rb, Sb, and Cs, show enrichment in waste coals, that may facilitate their co-extraction with the REEs. Concentrations for elements of environmental concern in cleaned coals are similar to or below those for world average coals with the exception of Pb in coals from Illinois. Laser-ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) for pyrite in a subset of 21 samples of raw and cleaned coal provided direct determinations of V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi. LA-ICP-MS was used together with bulk sample pyritic sulfur and trace element concentrations to estimate the elemental proportion of bulk Cu, As, Hg, and Pb in pyrite, indicating that Hg and Pb are hosted almost entirely by pyrite, whereas the proportion of Cu and As in pyrite accounts for about half of the bulk content. With growing interest in recovering critical elements from coal, partitioning of a large range of elements into waste coals presents a possible opportunity, but also a potential hazard, due to enrichment in harmful elements such as Hg, As, and Pb. © 2021},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85105692366,

title = {Methane generation from low-maturity coals and shale source rocks at low temperatures (80–120 °C) over 14–38 months},

author = { X. Ma and Be. Liu and C. Brazell and M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85105692366&doi=10.1016%2fj.orggeochem.2021.104224&partnerID=40&md5=4d9103bdba0f080f7c2942ead1429e14},

doi = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2021.104224},

issn = {01466380},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Organic Geochemistry},

volume = {155},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {This study contributes long-term (14 to 38 months) experimental evidence for geocatalytically mediated methanogenesis in immature to early mature shale and coal source rocks at temperatures from 80 to 120 °C. Borosilicate glass tubes with pre-outgassed coal and shale source rock chips and water were sealed under vacuum, sterilized, heated isothermally, and finally opened in connection with a vacuum line where headspace gases methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were collected. The possibility of admitting pre-existing CH4 from closed pores into product gases during heating experiments was evaluated by comparative ball milling of original and heated rock chips, followed by quantitation of released gases with a novel closed-circuit laser-based SARAD RTM2200 gas detector system with sub-µmol sensitivity. The yields of produced CH4 from individual source rocks were corrected by subtracting the amounts of pre-existing CH4 from formerly closed pores in original source rocks that had leaked during long-term heating. Different shales and coals express contrasting propensities to geocatalytically generate CH4 and CO2, with CH4 yields ranging from 0.1 to 5.5 µmol g−1 total organic carbon (TOC). CH4 yields from two petrographically different samples of Springfield Coal with comparable thermal maturity suggest that liptinite expresses a far higher propensity for methanogenesis, but liberates less CO2 than vitrinite. Shale from the Second White Specks Formation generated approximately 10 times more CH4 than New Albany Shale per g of TOC, further suggesting complex controls on CH4 generation during catalytic methanogenesis. Higher temperature can enhance the activities of catalytic methanogenesis. The extrapolation of laboratory-based reaction rates to natural conditions in organic-rich buried sediments suggests that geocatalytic methanogenesis can be fast enough in some source rocks to generate economically sizeable gas plays from immature to early mature source rocks over geologic time. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85100426651,

title = {Changes in chemistry of vitrinite in coal through time: Insights from organic functional group characteristics},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and J.C. Hower},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85100426651&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2021.103690&partnerID=40&md5=64847aa2f4d738d756aa221c244a7fca},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2021.103690},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {235},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Is the signature of the original plant communities preserved in coal, or is that signature overprinted by depositional and diagenetic processes? To address this question, Pennsylvanian coals from the Illinois and Appalachian basins were compared to Cretaceous, Paleocene, and Eocene coals of comparable coalification levels as shown by vitrinite reflectance. Three reflectance intervals—0.52–0.55, 0.58–0.62, and 0.68–0.71%—were considered, and in total 51 samples were analyzed. Although data on proximate and ultimate analyses and petrographic composition were compared on whole coal samples, the maceral vitrinite was the main target of this comparison because’ aside from being the dominant component of all the samples, it offers the best chance to preserve the signature of the original woody material. An in-situ micro-FTIR technique was used to collect data on the functional group distribution of vitrinite, and FTIR-derived parameters were compared between different age groups with a special emphasis on the differences between Pennsylvanian and the Cretaceous vitrinite. The main difference between Cretaceous and Pennsylvanian coals is reflected in their oxygen content, which is higher for the Cretaceous coals. On the functional group level, the only significant difference was detected in the CH2/CH3 ratio, which had higher values for vitrinite in the Cretaceous samples. Other parameters both within the coal and the vitrinite showed comparable scatter within age groups as those between the age groups. It is suggested that oxygen content in coal and CH2/CH3 ratio in vitrinite reflect differences in the original biomass, and the variations in other parameters such as C, H, N, volatile matter, calorific value, or the majority of FTIR-derived parameters are a function of both depositional and post-depositional factors. © 2021 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85089811816,

title = {Controls on reservoir properties in organic-matter-rich shales: Insights from MICP analysis},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and J.C. Hower},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089811816&doi=10.1016%2fj.petrol.2020.107775&partnerID=40&md5=89ae092dc0e80b0874c42c69cf5edd0b},

doi = {10.1016/j.petrol.2020.107775},

issn = {09204105},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering},

volume = {196},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Mercury injection capillary pressure (MICP) analysis was used to study organic-matter-rich Devonian shales varying in maturity from marginally mature to postmature to discuss controls on drainage and imbibition in shale reservoirs. Six samples come from the New Albany Shale; their total organic carbon (TOC) ranged from 3.3 to 8.4% and vitrinite reflectance (Ro) from 0.54 to 1.42%. One Marcellus Shale sample with Ro 2.50% was used to extend the maturity range to the advanced dry gas window. Three coal samples of varying rank were also included for comparison. Porosity of the shales ranges from 1.5 to 5.0%, and MICP-derived permeability ranges from 0.17 to 9.9 mD. Injection capillary pressure curves have a range of entry pressures from 0.055 to 0.421 MPa, and no relationship of entry pressure with maturity was revealed. Maturity, however, has an influence on pore size distribution, with the higher-maturity samples having significantly lower volumes of pores with throats less than 10 nm in diameter. Withdrawal capillary pressure curves document a wide range of withdrawal efficiencies from 55% to almost 100%, and pores having throats between 3 and 50 nm in diameter play a major role in the ability of mercury to be released from the pore system. The obtained data provide valuable information about shale properties and their behavior not only in the air-mercury system but also under reservoir conditions. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {6},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85089147740,

title = {Environmental implications of the quality of charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal used for grilling},

author = { Z. Jelonek and A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and I. Jelonek},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85089147740&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2020.141267&partnerID=40&md5=eac714325f12add19c90a2cd767f60b0},

doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141267},

issn = {00489697},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Science of the Total Environment},

volume = {747},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Numerous studies have been conducted to assess air pollution and human health risks arising from exposure to outdoor cooking, but limited standards have been implemented around the world to assure fuel quality. While charcoal briquettes and lumps are a popular fuel choice for grilling, almost no data specifying their properties are available to consumers. Because the properties of fuels affect the flue gases, it is critical to understand how the quality of grilling briquettes and lumps translates not only into the quality of the grilled food, but, even more importantly, how their emissions impact human safety and the environment. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of the quality of charcoal briquettes and lumps on potentially harmful emissions during grilling. To analyze their quality, we used reflected light microscopy to identify a range of contaminants, including biomass, mineral matter, coal, coke, metal, rust, plastics, glues, and synthetic resins, in 74 commercially available products made in Poland, the United States of America, Ukraine, Germany, Belarus, the Czech Republic, and the Republic of South Africa. Our data show that majority of the products analyzed do not meet the existing quality standard EN 1860-2:2005 (E) of less than 1% contaminants, some of these products contain up to 26.6% of impurities. The amount of contaminants correlates with particulate matter, as well as CO and CO2. The contribution of biomass is especially significant because it can be used to predict harmful particulate matter emissions during grilling. The relationship between the composition of charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal and their emissions is particularly strong during the first 15 to 20 min after ignition (when emissions are the highest), therefore, this initial stage is especially unsafe to consumers, and staying away from the grill during this time is recommended. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {18},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85092928337,

title = {Rare earth elements and yttrium in Pennsylvanian coals and shales in the eastern part of the Illinois Basin},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and C.F. Eble and P.R. Ames and P.I. McLaughlin},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85092928337&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2020.103620&partnerID=40&md5=0080b4574493f7a3dc09c25d87997f81},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2020.103620},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {231},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The objective of this study was to evaluate rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) concentrations in Pennsylvanian coal-bearing strata in the eastern part of the Illinois Basin (Indiana), specifically targeting coals and marine shales associated with the coals. Samples were collected from several coal mines and three boreholes. In total, 105 samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), including 69 coals, 31 shales, and 5 paleosols. Concentrations of REY in the coals vary from less than 200 ppm to more than 3000 ppm (on ash basis). Indirect evidence, including REY versus ash relationships, REY distribution patterns, and REY content in raw coal compared to that in washed coal, suggests that the organic association may be an important mode of REY occurrence in these coals. The Lower Block and the Upper Block Coal Members of the Brazil Formation and some coals of the Staunton Formation have the highest REY concentrations among those studied. Concentrations of REY in marine shales range from less than 200 to 800 ppm on ash basis. The majority of shale samples studied vary little from the REY values of the continental crust, but some show enrichments. Our results suggest that, while post-combustion coal ash of the high-REY coals are a potential source of these elements, significant efforts and resources are needed to make the studied shales a viable REY resource. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {13},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85084264036,

title = {Characterization and microbial mitigation of fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas wells: Example from Indiana, USA},

author = { Y. Yin and M. Mastalerz and J.T. Lennon and A. Drobniak and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85084264036&doi=10.1016%2fj.apgeochem.2020.104619&partnerID=40&md5=60396ce47b2b0c5ae803efc4ad65d83a},

doi = {10.1016/j.apgeochem.2020.104619},

issn = {08832927},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Applied Geochemistry},

volume = {118},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {Hydrocarbon gas emissions from active, inactive, and improperly sealed or abandoned oil/gas wells significantly contribute to anthropogenically emitted greenhouse gases, predominantly in the form of methane (CH4). We explored the extent of hydrocarbon gas emissions from 20 active, inactive, plugged and abandoned oil/gas wells in Indiana (USA), where it is estimated that there are more than 80,000 well sites throughout the state. After this initial survey, using a static flux tent, we quantified fugitive CH4 emissions from an active gas well to approximately 2 L h−1. To evaluate the potential for microbial mitigation of hydrocarbon emissions to the atmosphere, we conducted laboratory microcosm experiments to quantify the CH4 oxidizing potential of soils collected from sites with varying distances to the leaking gas well. Soils in close proximity to the well (0.5 m) efficiently consumed nearly all (97%) of the added CH4, while only 14% of added CH4 was consumed by soils that were more distant from the well (20 m). These results suggest that fugitive CH4 emissions enrich methanotrophic bacteria in soils immediately adjacent to the well. Consistent with this view, we found that prolonged exposure of soils to elevated concentrations of CH4 enhanced the methanotrophic activity. Together, these findings prompted us to design a “methanotrophic soil mound” to assess the feasibility of mitigating point sources of CH4 by harnessing the natural methanotrophic capacity of soil microbial communities. We found that a methanotrophic soil mound from a landfill could sustainably mitigate the CH4 emission from the artificial source, providing a promising low-cost solution to ameliorate fugitive CH4 emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells to the atmosphere. The effectiveness of microbe-based remediation is limited in cold climates and arid environments. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {4},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85082727056,

title = {Assessing pellet fuels quality: A novel application for reflected light microscopy},

author = { Z. Jelonek and A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and I. Jelonek},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85082727056&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2020.103433&partnerID=40&md5=8f432cbf35a4b89e20b12a9d092e5241},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2020.103433},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {222},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {As the interest in the renewable resources has been increasing worldwide, the wood pellet sector has the potential to become a mainstream fuel of the future in the heat market. This development is especially noted in the European Union countries which consumed 50 % of global wood pellets in 2018. While only about 2 % of the United States energy consumption was derived from wood and wood waste in 2018, the U.S. pellet production continues to grow exponentially due to high demand from overseas markets. The U.S. pellet production was 8.2 million tons in 2018, making the United States the second largest producer of pellets in the world, surpassed only by China. In this growing market, a question has emerged: How can pellet quality be reliably assured? Current standards test the quality of pellets based on a variety of physical and chemical properties. However, some impurities in pellets (glass; plastic; metal; ceramics; coal; and coke) cannot be identified this way. Those impurities can have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and the durability of stoves. A quick and simple way to identify and quantify impurities in pellet fuels such as wood pellets and grilling briquettes is by using petrographic methods. In this study we used reflected light microscopy to identify a range of contaminants including bark, glass, plastic, coal, coke, slag, mineral matter, and metals in 514 commercially available wood pellets made in Poland, Ukraine, Germany, and the United States. Our results demonstrate that optical microscopy could become an effective tool for assessing the purity of wood pellets, and as such, it might be a valuable addition to physical and chemical tests used in the current standards. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85074644669,

title = {Application of pXRF elemental analysis and organic petrography in correlation of Pennsylvanian strata: An example from the Indiana part of the Illinois Basin, USA},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and P.R. Ames and P.I. McLaughlin},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85074644669&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2019.103342&partnerID=40&md5=3c99bc64091d7378f15afb35aafacd20},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2019.103342},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {216},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The principal purpose of this research is to investigate whether elemental chemistry obtained by a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer can aid in correlating lithostratigraphic units within the Pennsylvanian coal-bearing sequence of the eastern part of the Illinois Basin in Indiana. The study is based on data collected from four boreholes: Indiana Geological and Water Survey wells SDH-377 in Daviess County, SDH-379 in Pike County, SDH-383 in Posey County, and SDH-43 in Warrick County. The organic-matter-rich marine black shales and limestones are our special targets because they may represent valuable marker beds. Highly elevated U and Mo concentrations can be utilized to clearly identify the stratigraphic positions of the organic-matter-rich marine black shales in the succession from the oldest to the youngest: Sh1, Sh2, Sh3, and Sh4. Increased concentrations of both U and Mo provide further evidence for the deposition of these shales in anoxic environments. Variations in Ca and Mg concentrations aid in identifying limestone and dolomitic limestone horizons through the interval. Although the positions of marine shales and limestone strata were clearly defined based on pXRF data, identifying specific shales or limestones was problematic because of the wide elemental variations that exist within individual horizons. To help overcome this difficulty, reflected light microscopy was used as complementary technique on shale samples. These shales represent early oil window maturity(vitrinite reflectance 0.56 to 0.58%) and their organic matter is dominated by low-reflectance amorphous organic matter (AOM) and high-reflectance micrinized AOM. Well-preserved alginite, vitrinite, inertinite, and solid bitumen are rare. Our results show that proportions of low-reflectance AOM and micrinized AOM and framboidal pyrite content are promising characteristics that may help to identify individual shales. Specifically, Sh1 and Sh4 are dominated by low-reflectance AOM, whereas the other two shales have micrinized AOM as the dominant component. Sh2 and Sh4 have consistently high framboidal pyrite content. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {6},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85058677736,

title = {Origin of bitumen fractions in the Jurassic-early Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation in Argentina: insights from organic petrography and geochemical techniques},

author = { A. Małachowska and M. Mastalerz and L.B. Hampton and J. Hupka and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85058677736&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2018.11.013&partnerID=40&md5=77f72524fbdb922d47ae36cd2c599cea},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2018.11.013},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {205},

pages = {155-165},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {This paper investigates chemical functional groups of the two extracted bitumen fractions in shales of the Jurassic to early Cretaceous Vaca Muerta Formation of the Neuquén Basin in Argentina, South America. The results indicate that Bitumen I is strongly aliphatic and appears to be genetically related to fluorescent amorphous organic matter. In contrast, Bitumen II consists of highly condensed, aromatic hydrocarbons, and has some correspondence to nonfluorescent amorphous organic material. Comparison of Rock-Eval VI pyrolysis data (S1 and S2) with the bitumen yields suggests that Bitumen I relates to S1 but also to S2. In addition, Bitumen I has a positive correlation with light liquid hydrocarbons (C 5 –C 29 ), but also partially with heavier hydrocarbons (above C 30 ). This suggests that Bitumen I corresponds to the majority of lighter hydrocarbons up to C 29 and some portion to heavier hydrocarbons. These results have implications for the assessment of the mobility of generated hydrocarbons and their availability for production. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85049565861,

title = {Natural geological seepage of hydrocarbon gas in the Appalachian Basin and Midwest USA in relation to shale tectonic fracturing and past industrial hydrocarbon production},

author = { A. Schimmelmann and S.A. Ensminger and A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and G. Etiope and R.D. Jacobi and C. Frankenberg},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049565861&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2018.06.374&partnerID=40&md5=cb164118d2c6102e3aec438362ab7e70},

doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.374},

issn = {00489697},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Science of the Total Environment},

volume = {644},

pages = {982-993},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Geological hydrocarbon gas seepage is a major global source of atmospheric methane, ethane and propane as greenhouse gases and photochemical pollutants. Natural gas seepage is generally related to faults and associated fracture intensification domains that provide conduits for natural gas from reservoir rocks to migrate upward and enter the atmosphere. In this study, we compare the case of intense gas seepage stemming directly from source rocks, mostly organic-rich fractured black shales in western New York State (NYS) versus areas with rare seepage in the more southern regions of the Appalachian Basin and the Midwest USA. In addition to thermogenic methane, western NYS shale gas seeps emit ethane and propane with C 2+3 gas concentrations reaching up to 35 vol%. Fractures in NYS developed, reactivated and maintained permeability for gas as a result of Quaternary glaciation and post-glacial basin uplift. In contrast, the Appalachian regions farther south and the southern Midwest regions experienced less glacial loading and unloading than in NYS, resulting in less recent natural fracturing, as witnessed by the rarity of seepage on surface outcrops and in caves overlying gas-bearing shales and coals. The historical literature suggests that early western NYS drilling and production of oil and gas diminished shale gas pressure and resulted in declining gas seepage rates. Our survey documented 12 active western NYS natural gas seeps, whereas >32 seeps have been reported or documented since the 17th century. Preliminary tests showed that SCIAMACHY satellite data did not detect atmospheric methane anomalies over western NYS seeps. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85051806727,

title = {Responses of specific surface area and micro- and mesopore characteristics of shale and coal to heating at elevated hydrostatic and lithostatic pressures},

author = { M. Mastalerz and Li. Wei and A. Drobniak and A. Schimmelmann and J. Schieber},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85051806727&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2018.06.026&partnerID=40&md5=8d09e1712ec5510ffaf4a4eb7eb900ed},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2018.06.026},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {197},

pages = {20-30},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Samples of the low-maturity New Albany Shale (Middle and Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian) and Mowry Shale (Late Cretaceous), both containing kerogen Type II, and samples of Wilcox Coal (Eocene), containing kerogen Type III, were heated to 60, 100, and 200 °C at hydrostatic ambient pressure, 100, or 300 MPa for 6 or 12 months in sealed glass and gold cells to investigate temperature and pressure effects on porosity and thermal maturity. In addition, lithostatic experiments were conducted in a hydraulic press at 100 MPa and 100 °C over a period of 6 months. Porosimetric characteristics of samples before and after experiments were investigated by using low-pressure gas adsorption and scanning electron microscope (SEM). An increase from ambient temperature to 200 °C caused increases in random vitrinite reflectance (Ro) for all samples, with Mowry Shale showing the largest increase from 0.57% to 0.65% and Wilcox Coal showing the smallest increase from 0.39% to 0.41%. For Mowry Shale and New Albany Shale, specific surface areas did not change in any notable way with an increase in temperature; specific surface area values for Mowry Shale ranged from 2.0 to 3.2 m2/g, and for New Albany Shale from 13.7 to 15.6 m2/g. Differences in Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) specific mesopore volumes and average mesopore size for the shales were also small to negligible. Considering the values of the original samples, we propose that these small differences are related to internal inhomogeneity of samples rather than to any temperature effect. Temperature-related changes in Wilcox Coal were more distinct. Specifically, there was a marked decrease in BET surface area, from 4.9 m2/g at 60 °C to 1.5 m2/g at 200 °C, and a decrease in both BJH mesopore volume and average mesopore size. The Wilcox Coal sample had large micropore surface areas (110–148 m2/g) compared to both shales, which had micropore surface areas below 10 m2/g. While Wilcox Coal showed a drop in micropore volume between 60 °C and 200 °C, no distinct or regular changes in micropore volume with temperature were documented for the other two samples. A sustained hydrostatic pressure increase from ambient to 300 MPa for 6 to 12 months resulted in insignificant changes in vitrinite reflectance values. Small differences in Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface areas, micropore surface area, and volume may be related to internal sample heterogeneity rather than pressure treatment. Similar to the temperature effect, the Wilcox Coal sample experienced more pronounced changes compared to the shales. SEM observations on shales did not reveal porosity-related changes between the original and treated samples. No marked changes were documented for lithostatic pressure conditions at 100 MPa and 100 °C. We conclude that elevated isotropic hydrostatic or lithostatic pressure is unable to significantly affect the pore structure and pore-size distribution of shales, but it can make some modifications in the micropore and mesopore pore characteristics of low-rank coal. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {11},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85049504763,

title = {Origin, properties, and implications of solid bitumen in source-rock reservoirs: A review},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and A.B. Stankiewicz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049504763&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2018.05.013&partnerID=40&md5=5fa66bb5274dd1c7ec555931b007da01},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2018.05.013},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {195},

pages = {14-36},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {This paper reviews the significance of solid bitumen with emphasis on source-rock reservoirs. We discuss difficulties and discrepancies with terminology, especially those terms related to the origin of solid bitumen and its physical and chemical properties. Various definitions of solid bitumen have their own justifications and can be used provided there is clarity about which defining criteria are being considered. Difficulties in conforming to chemical-, solubility-, or origin-related definitions lead us to suggest adapting the reflectance of solid hydrocarbon as a practical choice for placing the boundary between solid bitumen and pyrobitumen, and 1.50% is proposed as the boundary value. It has to be noted that this boundary may be shifted down to 1.3% for sulfur-rich kerogen. Recently, much progress has been made by combining imaging and physical adsorption techniques in porosity studies, and so the porosity of solid bitumen is given special emphasis. Comparing pore characteristics obtained from SEM versus those generated by gas adsorption, mercury intrusion, or neutron scattering techniques indicates that the SEM pore inventory fails to account for the smallest pores (<5 nm in size) present in organic matter. Therefore, low-pressure CO2 adsorption is still the most effective technique to assess microporosity (pores <2 nm in diameter) in shales. We conclude that combining observational in situ techniques with techniques based on physical principles is necessary to make progress toward a better understanding of porosity systems in organic matter, including solid bitumen. We review the implications of the abundance of solid bitumen on reservoir quality, porosity, permeability, and producibility, based on examples of selected sequences. One of the difficulties in predicting the influence of solid-bitumen-bearing horizons on reservoir quality arises from the problems with detecting organic phases using various logging techniques. The use of specialized techniques such as NMR logging that allows two-dimensional T1 and T2 measurements should be expanded, and other potential techniques need to be further researched and tested. Certain aspects of the properties of solid bitumen that are not as well understood, such as its hydrocarbon generation potential or its role in hydrocarbon migration are also discussed with the aim of identifying further research that could lead to a better understanding of the role that solid bitumen plays in unconventional reservoirs. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {182},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85046374361,

title = {Catalytic generation of methane at 60–100 °C and 0.1–300 MPa from source rocks containing kerogen Types I, II, and III},

author = { Li. Wei and A. Schimmelmann and M. Mastalerz and R.W. Lahann and P.E. Sauer and A. Drobniak and D. Stra̧poć and F.D. Mango},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85046374361&doi=10.1016%2fj.gca.2018.04.012&partnerID=40&md5=2bef1478439c4c2a46bcaa09a4121d65},

doi = {10.1016/j.gca.2018.04.012},

issn = {00167037},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta},

volume = {231},

pages = {88-116},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {Low temperature (60 and 100 °C) and long-term (6 months to 5 years) heating of pre-evacuated and sterilized shales and coals containing kerogen Types I (Mahogany Shale), II (Mowry Shale and New Albany Shale), and III (Springfield Coal and Wilcox Lignite) with low initial maturities (vitrinite reflectance Ro 0.39–0.62%) demonstrates that catalytically generated hydrocarbons may explain the occurrence of some non-biogenic natural gas accumulations where insufficient thermal maturity contradicts the conventional thermal cracking paradigm. Extrapolation of the observed rate of catalytic methanogenesis in the laboratory suggests that significant amounts of sedimentary organic carbon can be converted to relatively dry natural gas over tens of thousands of years in sedimentary basins at temperatures as low as 60 °C. Our laboratory experiments utilized source rock (shale and coal) chips sealed in gold and Pyrex® glass tubes in the presence of hydrogen-isotopically contrasting waters. Parallel heating experiments applied hydrostatic pressures from 0.1 to 300 MPa. Control experiments constrained the influence of pre-existing and residual methane in closed pores of rock chips that was unrelated to newly generated methane. This study's experimental methane yields at 60 and 100 °C are 5–11 orders of magnitude higher than the theoretically predicted yields from kinetic models of thermogenic methane generation, which strongly suggests a contribution of catalytic methanogenesis. Higher temperature, longer heating time, and lower hydrostatic pressure enhanced catalytic methanogenesis. No clear relationships were observed between kerogen type or total organic carbon content and methane yields via catalysis. Catalytic methanogenesis was strongest in Mowry Shale where methane yields at 60 °C amounted to ∼2.5 μmol per gram of organic carbon after one year of hydrous heating at ambient pressure. In stark contrast to the earlier findings of hydrogen isotopic exchange between water and thermogenic methane in hydrous pyrolysis experiments above 300 °C, the hydrogen isotopic composition of added water exerted limited influence on the δ2H value of methane generated catalytically at low temperatures. We hypothesize that the catalytic sites responsible for methanogenesis are located in hydrophobic microenvironments with limited access to water. The δ13CCH4 values of methane generated catalytically at 60–100 °C range from ∼−57.6 to −41.4‰ and are thus similar to typical thermogenic methane (δ13CCH4 >−50‰) and microbially generated methane (<−55‰). Future studies need to evaluate the possibility that clumped isotope characteristics of catalytically generated methane can diagnose the low-temperature regime of catalytic methanogenesis. Furthermore, testing of freshly cored anoxic rocks is needed to determine whether the use of archived, oxygen-exposed rocks in geochemical maturation/catalysis studies introduces artifacts in experimental hydrocarbon yields. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {25},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85018985770,

title = {Application of palynology and petrography in the correlation of the Pennsylvanian Brazil and Staunton Formation coals in the eastern part of the Illinois Basin},

author = { M. Mastalerz and C.F. Eble and P.R. Ames and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85018985770&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2017.04.012&partnerID=40&md5=f4b20817fc4a7b8b6a905a401aa2937f},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2017.04.012},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {190},

pages = {191-204},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The coals of the Brazil and the lower part of the Staunton Formations (Atokan and early Desmoinesian; Pennsylvanian) in Indiana (Illinois Basin) are typically thin and discontinuous. As a result, both researchers and the industry have experienced problems with coal bed identification and correlation. The discrepancies in coal nomenclature and frequent miscorrelations affect coal exploration, mine planning, and communication between mines and customers. Our previous study, based on exploration boreholes, mine-scale observations, and coal quality and petrographic data from Daviess, Greene, and Clay Counties, Indiana, suggested that the coal mapped as the Upper Block Coal Member of Clay County might be the same seam as the Lower Block Coal Member of Daviess County. This study is an extension of the previous research conducted farther south to Pike, Warrick, and Spencer Counties, Indiana. In the southern part of Indiana, correlation of these late Atokan and early Desmoinesian coal beds is even more difficult because of the absence of well-defined marker horizons and limited mining and subsurface well data. Although palynological and coal petrography data generally correspond, these data alone cannot resolve the correlation of the coal beds in this southern region with the coals of Clay or Greene Counties, and they must be supplemented with the analysis of associated limestones. The ability to accurately identify the Perth Limestone Member, which occurs close to the Buffaloville Coal Member of the Brazil Formation, and the Holland Limestone Member, which occurs higher up in the Staunton Formation, will help to distinguish between Brazil and Staunton Formation coals. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85044728870,

title = {Subterranean karst environments as a global sink for atmospheric methane},

author = { K.D. Webster and A. Drobniak and G. Etiope and M. Mastalerz and P.E. Sauer and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85044728870&doi=10.1016%2fj.epsl.2017.12.025&partnerID=40&md5=0f7767b9d53c4ef129f1691b3c139704},

doi = {10.1016/j.epsl.2017.12.025},

issn = {0012821X},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Earth and Planetary Science Letters},

volume = {485},

pages = {9-18},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The air in subterranean karst cavities is often depleted in methane (CH4) relative to the atmosphere. Karst is considered a potential sink for the atmospheric greenhouse gas CH4 because its subsurface drainage networks and solution-enlarged fractures facilitate atmospheric exchange. Karst landscapes cover about 14% of earth's continental surface, but observations of CH4 concentrations in cave air are limited to localized studies in Gibraltar, Spain, Indiana (USA), Vietnam, Australia, and by incomplete isotopic data. To test if karst is acting as a global CH4 sink, we measured the CH4 concentrations, δ13CCH4, and δ2HCH4 values of cave air from 33 caves in the USA and three caves in New Zealand. We also measured CO2 concentrations, δ13CCO2, and radon (Rn) concentrations to support CH4 data interpretation by assessing cave air residence times and mixing processes. Among these caves, 35 exhibited subatmospheric CH4 concentrations in at least one location compared to their local atmospheric backgrounds. CH4 concentrations, δ13CCH4, and δ2HCH4 values suggest that microbial methanotrophy within caves is the primary CH4 consumption mechanism. Only 5 locations from 3 caves showed elevated CH4 concentrations compared to the atmospheric background and could be ascribed to local CH4 sources from sewage and outgassing swamp water. Several associated δ13CCH4 and δ2HCH4 values point to carbonate reduction and acetate fermentation as biochemical pathways of limited methanogenesis in karst environments and suggest that these pathways occur in the environment over large spatial scales. Our data show that karst environments function as a global CH4 sink. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85021407460,

title = {Subterranean microbial oxidation of atmospheric methane in cavernous tropical karst},

author = { D. Nguyễn-Thuỳ and A. Schimmelmann and H. Nguyen-Van and A. Drobniak and J.T. Lennon and P.H. Tạ and N.T.Á. Nguyễn},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85021407460&doi=10.1016%2fj.chemgeo.2017.06.014&partnerID=40&md5=cfa1ecd895435e60373278325ecf1d4f},

doi = {10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.06.014},

issn = {00092541},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Chemical Geology},

volume = {466},

pages = {229-238},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Subterranean methanotrophy is a potentially important but overlooked sink for the atmospheric greenhouse gas methane (CH4). This study documents a microbial CH4 sink in tropical subterranean karst cavities in Vietnam's northern karst province where porosity, steep topography, and scarce soil and vegetation cover foster the exchange of subterranean air with the atmosphere. Our data are based on (i) surveys of CH4, carbon dioxide, and radon concentrations in the air of 11 caves, (ii) in situ mesocosm experiments in caves, as well as (iii) laboratory mesocosm measurements using sediment and rock from caves. The extent of CH4 depletion in cave air depends on the ventilation rate and the availability of moisture to provide a habitat for CH4-oxidizing bacteria, both of which are seasonally variable in northern Vietnam and in part depend on monsoonal activity. Mesocosm experiments using fresh versus sterilized rock and sediment confirmed the role of microbial methanotrophy towards uptake of CH4 from cave air. Our results also suggest that within-cave heterogeneity of environmental variables like salinity may affect rates of CH4 oxidation. We conservatively estimate that 150,000 metric tons of atmospheric CH4 are microbially oxidized annually in the ~ 29,000 km2 of Vietnamese tropical karst, which would compensate for ~ 7% of Vietnam's agricultural CH4 emissions from rice farming and livestock. Future studies estimating the global fluxes of the atmospheric greenhouse gas CH4 should consider subterranean karst as a potentially important CH4 sink. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {13},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85020848183,

title = {Characteristics of microbial coalbed gas during production, example from Pennsylvanian coals in Indiana, USA},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85020848183&doi=10.3390%2fgeosciences7020026&partnerID=40&md5=f05a7d57311e77bbf67ac158bf904d9a},

doi = {10.3390/geosciences7020026},

issn = {20763263},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Geosciences (Switzerland)},

volume = {7},

number = {2},

publisher = {MDPI AG},

abstract = {Coalbed gases from 11 wells producing from the Springfield and Seelyville Coal Members (Pennsylvanian) were analyzed for composition and carbon and hydrogen stable isotope ratios in four sampling events to investigate short-term variation trends. Nine wells in the Seelyville Coal Member produce coalbed gases from the virgin seam, whereas two wells in the Springfield Coal Member produce gas from mine voids. Methane dominates gas composition in all wells, and its content ranges from ~94% to almost 98%, with ethane typically accounting for less than 0.01%. Carbon dioxide content in most samples is below 1%, whereas N2 content ranges from less than 2% to 4.8%. Methane δ13C values range from -5.3%to -1.1%, and δ2H values range from -201% to -219%. Isotopic values of methane and C1/(C2 + C3) ratios indicate a biogenic origin along the CO2-reduction pathway, consistent with previous studies in this area. Our results demonstrate that gas properties may change significantly during a period of one year of production history. Compositional trends (e.g.; C1/(C2 + C3); CH4/CO2 ratios) are specific for each well and often irregular. These changes result from a combined influence of numerous factors and, therefore, are difficult to predict. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {6},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85019625051,

title = {Significance of analytical particle size in low-pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption of coal and shale},

author = { M. Mastalerz and L.B. Hampton and A. Drobniak and H.M. Loope},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85019625051&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2017.05.003&partnerID=40&md5=7e97995f80cc60c207c2099904eea171},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2017.05.003},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {178},

pages = {122-131},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {This study examines the influence of analytical particle size on the surface area and mesopore and micropore volume data obtained from low-pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption analyses in response to the crushing of coal and shale. Pennsylvanian high-volatile bituminous coal (Ro ~ 0.57%) and Devonian to Lower Mississippian low-maturity (Ro ~ 0.57%) and high-maturity (Ro ~ 1.30%) shales from the Illinois Basin were progressively crushed from chunks (~ 7 mm) to 4 mesh (< 4.78 mm), 7 mesh (< 2.83 mm), 18 mesh (< 1 mm), 30 mesh (0.595 mm), 60 mesh (< 0.250 mm), 200 mesh (< 0.074 mm), and 230 mesh (< 0.063 mm), and, subsequently, low-pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption analyses were performed on all the grain size fractions. Our results demonstrate that the values of both surface area and specific mesopore and micropore change with progressive crushing. For example, BET surface area of coal shows a steady increase from 2 m2/g in the 4 mesh fraction to 4.7 m2/g in the 200 mesh fraction. For comparable size ranges, BET surface area changes from 0.15 to 7.82 m2/g in the low-maturity shale, and from 0.02 to 6.26 m2/g in the high-maturity shale. Changes in mesoporosity and microporosity parameters indicate that the coarsest fractions (4 mesh and larger) are not suitable for low-pressure adsorption analysis; the values are very low and not reproducible dominantly because of equilibration problems. Our results demonstrate that the 60 mesh fraction for coal and the 200 mesh fraction for shales seem to be optimal and the most practical sizes for performing low-pressure N2 and CO2 adsorption analysis; these analytical particle sizes yield results closest to the “real” values, unbiased by disequilibrium. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {100},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84989313316,

title = {Microbial contributions to subterranean methane sinks},

author = { J.T. Lennon and D. Nguyễn-Thùy and T.M. Phạm and A. Drobniak and P.H. Tạ and N. Phạm and T.G. Streil and K.D. Webster and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84989313316&doi=10.1111%2fgbi.12214&partnerID=40&md5=421056df2475eb07802769d50db81dbf},

doi = {10.1111/gbi.12214},

issn = {14724677},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Geobiology},

volume = {15},

number = {2},

pages = {254-258},

publisher = {Blackwell Publishing Ltd},

abstract = {Sources and sinks of methane (CH4) are critical for understanding global biogeochemical cycles and their role in climate change. A growing number of studies have reported that CH4 concentrations in cave ecosystems are depleted, leading to the notion that these subterranean environments may act as sinks for atmospheric CH4. Recently, it was hypothesized that this CH4 depletion may be caused by radiolysis, an abiotic process whereby CH4 is oxidized via interactions with ionizing radiation derived from radioactive decay. An alternate explanation is that the depletion of CH4 concentrations in caves could be due to biological processes, specifically oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria. We theoretically explored the radiolysis hypothesis and conclude that it is a kinetically constrained process that is unlikely to lead to the rapid loss of CH4 in subterranean environments. We present results from a controlled laboratory experiment to support this claim. We then tested the microbial oxidation hypothesis with a set of mesocosm experiments that were conducted in two Vietnamese caves. Our results reveal that methanotrophic bacteria associated with cave rocks consume CH4 at a rate of 1.3–2.7 mg CH4 · m−2 · d−1. These CH4 oxidation rates equal or exceed what has been reported in other habitats, including agricultural systems, grasslands, deciduous forests, and Arctic tundra. Together, our results suggest that depleted concentrations of CH4 in caves are most likely due to microbial activity, not radiolysis as has been recently claimed. Microbial methanotrophy has the potential to oxidize CH4 not only in caves, but also in smaller-size open subterranean spaces, such as cracks, fissures, and other pores that are connected to and rapidly exchange with the atmosphere. Future studies are needed to understand how subterranean CH4 oxidation scales up to affect local, regional, and global CH4 cycling. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84992525152,

title = {Dike-induced thermal alteration of the Springfield Coal Member (Pennsylvanian) and adjacent clastic rocks, Illinois Basin, USA},

author = { A. Quaderer and M. Mastalerz and A. Schimmelmann and A. Drobniak and D.L. Bish and R.P. Wintsch},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84992525152&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2016.07.005&partnerID=40&md5=6eceb302f0bfeb48eed1a3fe8068c6b6},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2016.07.005},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {166},

pages = {108-117},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {A basaltic dike intrusion caused a short-term and short-distance contact aureole in the vitrinite-rich Springfield Coal Member of the Carbondale Formation (Pennsylvanian) and in the underlying paleosol and overlying black shale in the Illinois Basin. Parallel series of samples from all three horizons were analyzed for vitrinite reflectance (Ro; %) and other parameters to evaluate the lateral extension of the thermal aureole. Ro values in the porous and fluid-permeable coal increase from a background value of ~ 0.66% at ≥ 4.0 m distance from the dike to more than 5.0% at the intrusive contact. Ro values in the underlying paleosol increase from a background of ~ 0.65% at ≥ 3 m distance to 1.74% at the dike contact. In contrast, roof rock shale close to the contact had a higher Ro value than the paleosol (Ro = 2.56%). These differences cannot be explained by thermal conductivity of heat alone, or the coal having lower thermal conductivity would show lower vitrinite reflectance values. Apparently, the coal having much higher Ro values experienced enhanced lateral convective heat transfer in comparison to the denser and less permeable, but more conductive, rocks in the paleosol and overlying black shale. The advection of relatively cold fluid in the lower part of the coal seam streaming towards the dike may have provided cooling for floor rock close to the coal near the contact. In contrast, roof rock close to the contact had a higher Ro value than the paleosol (Ro = 2.56%) in the absence of cooling. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {22},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84904676301,

title = {Coal bed reservoir simulation with geostatistical property realizations for simultaneous multi-well production history matching: A case study from Illinois Basin, Indiana, USA},

author = { C.Ö. Karacan and A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84904676301&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2014.06.002&partnerID=40&md5=398012441d7694ef66a92f039910cc4d},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2014.06.002},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {131},

pages = {71-89},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {Coal seam degasification is a means to recover energy from the methane gas retained in coal, and is also a supplementary measure to ventilation, which is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce methane emissions to a safe level in coal mines. Reservoir simulation is probably the most effective way to assess the coal seam as a "gas reservoir" and thereby its fluid-storage and flow-related properties. This objective is achieved by taking advantage of history matching of wellbore production. Reservoir simulation with multi-well history matching is a tedious process as important coal properties that affect wells' production characteristics are spatially variable across the seam. The common practice is to change various properties at the well blocks during the history matching process, and assume that they are uniform across the domain of interest. This process, however, often does not produce realistic and effective results for well or coal reservoir management. In this work, a multi-level approach to coal bed reservoir simulation is demonstrated for a group of coalbed methane wells in the Illinois Basin producing from the Seelyville Coal Member of the Linton Formation of the Carbondale Group (Pennsylvanian) in Indiana. This approach includes, in order, gas and water deliverability analyses of wells, geostatistical simulation and co-simulation, and coal bed reservoir simulation. It is shown that a reservoir model, which utilizes the geostatistical maps of important coal properties, is effective for simultaneous history matching of all wells, and eliminates the need for guessing and changing values of coal properties at and around individual well blocks. This methodology also provides realistic distributions of reservoir parameters and how they change during gas depletion, and thus aids in coal seam and coal gas management. © 2014.},

note = {23},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84876713013,

title = {Natural seepage of shale gas and the origin of " eternal flames" in the Northern Appalachian Basin, USA},

author = { G. Etiope and A. Drobniak and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84876713013&doi=10.1016%2fj.marpetgeo.2013.02.009&partnerID=40&md5=e050d68f4ea1ac17c584a4e6e4ff5a65},

doi = {10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2013.02.009},

issn = {02648172},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {Marine and Petroleum Geology},

volume = {43},

pages = {178-186},

abstract = {Natural hydrocarbon gas seeps are surface expressions of Petroleum Seepage Systems, whereby gas is ascending through faults from pressurized reservoirs that are typically associated with sandstones or limestones. A spectacular " eternal flame" in western New York State marks a gas macroseep of dominantly thermogenic origin emanating directly from deep shale source rocks, which makes this a rare case in contrast to most Petroleum Seepage Systems where gas derives from conventional reservoirs.The main flaming seep releases about 1 kg of methane per day and may feature the highest ethane and propane (C2 + C3) concentration ever reported for a natural gas seep (∼35 vol. %). The same gas is also released to the atmosphere through nearby invisible and diffuse seepages from the ground. The synopsis of our data with available gas-geochemical data of reservoir gases in the region and the stratigraphy of underlying shales suggests that the thermogenic gas originates from Upper Devonian shales without intermediation of a conventional reservoir. A similar investigation on a second " eternal flame" in Pennsylvania suggests that gas is migrating from a conventional sandstone pool and that the seep is probably not natural but results from an undocumented and abandoned gas or oil well. The large flux of the emitted shale gas in New York State implies the existence of a pressurized gas pool at depth. Tectonically fractured shales seem to express " naturally fracked" characteristics and may provide convenient targets for hydrocarbon exploration. Gas production from " tectonically fracked" systems might not require extensive artificial fracking. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.},

note = {44},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84874300521,

title = {Influence of CO2 on New Albany Shale composition and pore structure},

author = { R.W. Lahann and M. Mastalerz and J.A. Rupp and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84874300521&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2011.05.004&partnerID=40&md5=435e367222274736022a323f1d763e92},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2011.05.004},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {108},

pages = {2-9},

abstract = {To determine the possible influence of CO2 on the pore structure and mineralogy of the New Albany Shale (Devonian-Mississippian), experiments were conducted utilizing Indiana shale samples of varying total organic carbon content under various conditions. After the shale samples were heated to as high as 150°C in Teflon-lined high-pressure reaction cells with either distilled water or NaCl brine and CO2, the reaction products were characterized by mesopore and micropore analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis of the shale residue, and fluid chemistry analysis of the reactant brine. Results from CO2-saturated shale and distilled water showed no changes in shale pore structure relative to shale samples without CO2 surface saturation.A second series of experiments was run at 80°C, using 50,000ppm NaCl brine, 60-mesh ground shale (2:1 by mass), and varying amounts of solid CO2 (dry ice). The pressure in the reaction cells was controlled by the partial pressure of CO2 and ranged from 100 to 3500psi (0.69 to 24.13MPa). Post-reaction brine samples showed up to thousands of ppm of K, Mg, and Ca in solution. The concentration of Ca and Mg in the brine tended to increase in proportion to the increasing partial pressure of CO2. The same experiments using chips of shale from the New Albany Shale showed lower concentrations of the cations in solution, but displayed a similar pattern of increasing Ca and Mg with increasing CO2 pressure. Scanning electron microscope examination of the shale chips confirmed the dissolution of carbonate-mineralized biogenic structures in the shale. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {88},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84874289941,

title = {Variations in CO2 emissions from Pennsylvanian coals of the eastern part of the Illinois Basin},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84874289941&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2012.02.008&partnerID=40&md5=28e80befb62a2179728a8de64c64ca45},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2012.02.008},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {108},

pages = {10-17},

abstract = {Variations of CO2 emissions upon combustion of the Springfield Coal Member of the Petersburg Formation and Danville Coal Member of the Dugger Formation from Indiana were calculated and discussed. For the Springfield, CO2 emissions range from 71.4 to 98.9kg/GJ (166.0 to 230.0lb/106Btu), having an average value of 86.9kg/GJ (202.1lb/106Btu); for the Danville, they range from 74.6 to 93.2kg/GJ (173.4 to 216.8lb/106Btu), with the average value of 87.5kg/GJ (203.5lb/106Btu). The comparison of these values to the emission factor of 87.75kg/GJ (203.6lb/106Btu) currently used for Indiana coals suggests that the currently used emission factor slightly overestimates the emissions from the coal of this region. Our results show that lithotype composition of the coal cannot serve as a good predictor of CO2 emission level, with the exception of fusain which results in higher emissions than all other lithotypes. There is no relationship between vitrinite content of coal and CO2 emissions, but relative proportions of inertinite and liptinite can shift emissions toward higher (increasing inertinite content) or lower (increasing liptinite content) values. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84887250350,

title = {Porosity of Devonian and Mississippian New Albany Shale across a maturation gradient: Insights from organic petrology', gas adsorption, and mercury intrusion},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Schimmelmann and A. Drobniak and Ya. Chen},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84887250350&doi=10.1306%2f04011312194&partnerID=40&md5=64bca580bca0c8f21d013cb855fcb283},

doi = {10.1306/04011312194},

issn = {01491423},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {AAPG Bulletin},

volume = {97},

number = {10},

pages = {1621-1643},

publisher = {American Association of Petroleum Geologists},

abstract = {The evolution of porosity in shales with increasing maturity was examined in a suite of five New Albany Shale samples spanning a maturity range from immature (vitrinite reflectance; Ro 0.35%) to postmature (R o; 1.41%). Devonian to lower Mississippian New Albany Shale samples from the Illinois Basin used in this study contain marine type II kerogen having total organic carbon contents from 1.2 to 13.0 wt. %. Organic petrology, CO2 and N2 low-pressure adsorption, and mercury intrusion capillary pressure techniques were used to quantify pore volumes, pore sizes, and pore-size distributions. Increasing maturity of the New Albany Shale is paralleled by many changes in the characteristics of porosity. The total porosity of 9.1 vol. % in immature New Albany Shale decreases to 1.5 vol. % in the late mature sample, whereas total pore volumes decrease from 0.0365 to 0.0059 cm3/g in the same sequence. Reversing the trend at even higher maturity, the postmature New Albany Shale exhibits higher porosity and larger total pore volumes compared to the late mature sample. With increasing maturity, changes in total porosity and total pore volumes are accompanied by changes in pore-size distributions and relative proportions of micropores, mesopores, and macropores. Porosity-related variances are direcdy related to differences in the amount and character of the organic matter and mineralogical composition, but maturity exerts the dominant control upon these characteristics. We conclude that organic matter transformation due to hydrocarbon generation and migration is a pivotal cause of the observed porosity differences. Copyright © 2013, The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.},

note = {631},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84868144762,

title = {Influence of maceral composition on geochemical characteristics of immature shale kerogen: Insight from density fraction analysis},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Schimmelmann and G.P. Lis and A. Drobniak and A.B. Stankiewicz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84868144762&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2012.07.011&partnerID=40&md5=8607f364191b88b85f9ff28b68caa709},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2012.07.011},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {103},

pages = {60-69},

abstract = {Variations in the relative proportions of individual macerals in shales can significantly influence the geochemical characteristics of bulk organic matter. Density fractions of kerogen from the thermally immature New Albany Shale (Devonian and Mississippian) with contrasting maceral compositions exhibit strong geochemical differences. The parental shale is characterized by a vitrinite reflectance (R o) of 0.45%, a total organic carbon content of 13wt.%, and a sulfur content of 6.2wt.%. Organic matter is dominated by amorphinite and alginite, with vitrinite and inertinite accounting only for 1% by volume. Alginite-dominated density fractions (density ca. 1.0-1.15g/cm 3) contain significantly more aliphatic hydrogen, a stronger carboxyl/carbonyl contribution, and reduced Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy absorbance in the 1000 to 1100cm -1 region assigned to ether bonds (COC), as compared to the amorphinite-dominated density fraction (density ca. 1.2-1.6g/cm 3). Aromaticity generally increases from alginite-dominated to amorphinite-dominated fractions. Density fractions dominated by amorphinite are more deuterium-depleted (δD n values of nonexchangeable hydrogen up to -105‰) than alginite-rich density fraction (δD n values reach -90‰). In contrast, changes in relative proportions of alginite and amorphinite in the New Albany Shale do not significantly affect the amount of isotopically exchangeable hydrogen in total hydrogen (i.e.; hydrogen exchangeability). Alginite is relatively 13C-enriched, whereas density fractions having a high content of amorphinite are relatively 13C-depleted. Our results suggest that even small bulk geochemical and isotopic differences can gain relevance after deconvolution from maceral-related variability. The masking influence of maceral abundance patterns must be considered when interpreting bulk geochemical data as paleoenvironmental proxies. The findings of this study on shale and Type II kerogen are relevant for all types of kerogens in sediments and rocks. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {61},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84860005933,

title = {Gallium and germanium in selected Indiana coals},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84860005933&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2011.09.007&partnerID=40&md5=329da9a0cca1f1674bf473449e2f5097},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2011.09.007},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2012},

date = {2012-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {94},

pages = {302-313},

abstract = {The distribution of gallium (Ga) and germanium (Ge) was studied in two Pennsylvanian high volatile bituminous coals of Indiana: the Springfield Coal Member of the Petersburg Formation and the Danville Coal Member of the Dugger Formation. Gallium in the Springfield and Danville Coals shows similar ranges, from 1.70 to 8.90. ppm (averaging 5.06. ppm) for the Danville Coal and 1.40 to 12.30. ppm, with an average of 3.39. ppm, for the Springfield Coal. For Ge, these ranges are 2.50 to 26.70. ppm (average 14.19. ppm) for the Danville Coal and 1.54 to 38.0 (average 9.40. ppm) for the Springfield Coal. In the vertical section, Ga shows a symmetric distribution with the lowest values in the middle part of the seam in the Springfield Coal and an asymmetric distribution (increasing or decreasing upward) in the Danville Coal. Gallium is dominantly associated with the mineral matter, and clay minerals in particular. Germanium shows a symmetric distribution with the largest enrichment in the topmost and the basal benches of the coal. It appears to be associated with either mineral matter (dominantly clays; occasionally pyrite) or organic matter. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {36},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-77957341212,

title = {Variations in coal characteristics and their possible implications for CO2 sequestration: Tanquary injection site, southeastern Illinois, USA},

author = { D.G. Morse and M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and J.A. Rupp and S. Harpalani},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77957341212&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2010.08.001&partnerID=40&md5=1828aedf6bc52c5dd93ecdfb728119e8},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2010.08.001},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {84},

number = {1},

pages = {25-38},

abstract = {As part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Regional Sequestration Partnership program, the potential for sequestering CO2 in the largest bituminous coal reserve in United States - the Illinois Basin - is being assessed at the Tanquary site in Wabash County, southeastern Illinois. To accomplish the main project objectives, which are to determine CO2 injection rates and storage capacity, we developed a detailed coal characterization program. The targeted Springfield Coal occurs at 274m (900ft) depth, is 2.1m (7ft) thick, and is of high volatile B bituminous rank, having an average vitrinite reflectance (Ro) of 0.63%. Desorbed Springfield Coal gas content in cores from four wells ~15 to ~30m (50 to 100ft) apart varies from 4.7-6.6cm3/g (150 to 210scf/ton; dmmf) and consists, generally, of >92% CH4 with lesser amounts of N2 and then CO2. Adsorption isotherms indicate that at least three molecules of CO2 can be stored for each displaced CH4 molecule. Whole seam petrographic composition, which affects sequestration potential, averages 76.5% vitrinite, 4.2% liptinite, 11.6% inertinite, and 7.7% mineral matter. Sulfur content averages 1.59%. Well-developed coal cleats with 1 to 2cm spacing contain partial calcite and/or kaolinite fillings that may decrease coal permeability. The shallow geophysical induction log curves show much higher resistivity in the lower part of the Springfield Coal than the medium or deep curves because of invasion by freshwater drilling fluid, possibly indicating higher permeability. Gamma-ray and bulk density vary, reflecting differences in maceral, ash, and pyrite content. Because coal properties vary across the basin, it is critical to characterize injection site coals to best predict the potential for CO2 injection and storage capacity. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-77956175887,

title = {Coal lithotypes before and after saturation with CO2; insights from micro- and mesoporosity, fluidity, and functional group distribution},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and R. Walker and D.G. Morse},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77956175887&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2010.06.007&partnerID=40&md5=d2eb44651c68d3158ee2a2418e9bb563},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2010.06.007},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {83},

number = {4},

pages = {467-474},

abstract = {Four lithotypes, vitrain, bright clarain, clarain, and fusain, were hand-picked from the core of the Pennsylvanian Springfield Coal Member (Petersburg Formation) in Illinois. These lithotypes were analyzed petrographically and for meso- and micropore characteristics, functional group distribution using FTIR techniques, and fluidity. High-pressure CO2 adsorption isotherm analyses of these lithotypes were performed and, subsequently, all samples were reanalyzed in order to investigate the effects of CO2. After the high-pressure adsorption isotherm analysis was conducted and the samples were reanalyzed, there was a decrease in BET surface area for vitrain from 31.5m2/g in the original sample to 28.5m2/g, as determined by low-pressure nitrogen adsorption. Bright clarain and clarain recorded a minimal decrease in BET surface area, whereas for fusain there was an increase from 6.6m2/g to 7.9m2/g. Using low-pressure CO2 adsorption techniques, a small decrease in the quantity of the adsorbed CO2 is recorded for vitrain and bright clarain, no difference is observed for clarain, and there is an increase in the quantity of the adsorbed CO2 for fusain. Comparison of the FTIR spectra before and after CO2 injection for all lithotypes showed no differences with respect to functional group distribution, testifying against chemical nature of CO2 adsorption. Gieseler plastometry shows that: 1) softening temperature is higher for the post-CO2 sample (389.5°C vs. 386°C); 2) solidification temperature is lower for the post-CO2 sample (443.5°C vs. 451°C); and 3) the maximum fluidity is significantly lower for the post-CO2 sample (4 ddpm vs. 14 ddpm). © 2010 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {35},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-78649790770,

title = {Geochemical constraints on the origin and volume of gas in the New Albany Shale (Devonian-Mississippian), eastern Illinois Basin},

author = { D. Stra̧poć and M. Mastalerz and A. Schimmelmann and A. Drobniak and N.R. Hasenmueller},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-78649790770&doi=10.1306%2f06301009197&partnerID=40&md5=b25ab89061083bd207b2e75e7565ce59},

doi = {10.1306/06301009197},

issn = {01491423},

year  = {2010},

date = {2010-01-01},

journal = {AAPG Bulletin},

volume = {94},

number = {11},

pages = {1713-1740},

publisher = {American Association of Petroleum Geologists},

abstract = {This study involved analyses of kerogen petrography, gas desorption, geochemistry, microporosity, and mesoporosity of the New Albany Shale (Devonian-Mississippian) in the eastern part of the Illinois Basin. Specifically, detailed core analysis from two locations, one in Owen County, Indiana, and one in Pike County, Indiana, has been conducted. The gas content in the locations studied was primarily dependent on total organic carbon content and the micropore volume of the shales. Gas origin was assessed using stable isotope geochemistry. Measured and modeled vitrinite reflectance values were compared. Depth of burial and formation water salinity dictated different dominant origins of the gas in place in the two locations studied in detail. The shallower Owen County location (415-433 m [1362-1421 ft] deep) contained significant additions of microbial methane, whereas the Pike County location (832-860 m [2730-2822 ft] deep) was characterized exclusively by thermogenic gas. Despite differences in the gas origin, the total gas in both locations was similar, reaching up to 2.1 cm3/g (66 scf/ton). Lower thermogenic gas content in the shallower location (lower maturity and higher loss of gas related to uplift and leakage via relaxed fractures) was compensated for by the additional generation of microbial methane, which was stimulated by an influx of glacial melt water, inducing brine dilution and microbial inoculation. The characteristics of the shale of the Maquoketa Group (Ordovician) in the Pike County location are briefly discussed to provide a comparison to the New Albany Shale. Copyright ©2010. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.},

note = {282},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-68549136476,

title = {Effects of coal storage in air on physical and chemical properties of coal and on gas adsorption},

author = { M. Mastalerz and W. Solano-Acosta and A. Schimmelmann and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-68549136476&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2009.07.001&partnerID=40&md5=b2e5a5ba70077f625846ee615ff21149},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2009.07.001},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {79},

number = {4},

pages = {167-174},

abstract = {This paper investigates changes in the high-volatile bituminous Lower Block Coal Member from Indiana owing to moisture availability and oxidation in air at ambient pressure and temperature over storage time. Specifically, it investigates changes in chemistry, in surface area, and pore structure, as well as changes in methane and carbon dioxide adsorption capacities. Our results document that the methane adsorption capacity increased by 40%, whereas CO2 adsorption capacity increased by 18% during a 13-month time period. These changes in adsorption are accompanied by changes in chemistry and surface area of the coal. The observed changes in adsorption capacity indicate that special care must be taken when collecting samples and preserving coals until adsorption characteristics are measured in the laboratory. High-pressure isotherms from partially dried coal samples would likely cause overestimation of gas adsorption capacities, lead to a miscalculation of coal-bed methane prospects, and provide deceptively optimistic prognoses for recovery of coal-bed methane or capture of anthropogenic CO2. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {52},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-58249083790,

title = {Changes in optical properties, chemistry, and micropore and mesopore characteristics of bituminous coal at the contact with dikes in the Illinois Basin},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and A. Schimmelmann},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-58249083790&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2008.05.014&partnerID=40&md5=0d537cf90a5b9c271d0a83ff7c1af601},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2008.05.014},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2009},

date = {2009-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {77},

number = {3-4},

pages = {310-319},

abstract = {Changes in high-volatile bituminous coal (Pennsylvanian) near contacts with two volcanic intrusions in Illinois were investigated with respect to optical properties, coal chemistry, and coal pore structure. Vitrinite reflectance (Ro) increases from 0.62% to 5.03% within a distance of 5.5 m from the larger dike, and from 0.63% to 3.71% within 3.3 m from the small dike. Elemental chemistry of the coal shows distinct reductions in hydrogen and nitrogen content close to the intrusions. No trend was observed for total sulfur content, but decreases in sulfate content towards the dikes indicate thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). Contact-metamorphism has a dramatic effect on coal porosity, and microporosity in particular. Around the large dike, the micropore volume, after a slight initial increase, progressively decreases from 0.0417 cm3/g in coal situated 4.7 m from the intrusive contact to 0.0126 cm3/g at the contact. Strongly decreasing mesopore and micropore volumes in the altered zone, together with frequent cleat and fracture filling by calcite, indicate deteriorating conditions for both coalbed gas sorption and gas transmissibility. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {111},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-53149139687,

title = {Variations in pore characteristics in high volatile bituminous coals: Implications for coal bed gas content},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and D. Stra̧poć and W. Solano-Acosta and J.A. Rupp},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-53149139687&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2008.07.006&partnerID=40&md5=68f8017595e9c54204a42bd25d93a705},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2008.07.006},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {76},

number = {3},

pages = {205-216},

abstract = {The Seelyville Coal Member of the Linton Formation (Pennsylvanian) in Indiana was studied to: 1) understand variations in pore characteristics within a coal seam at a single location and compare these variations with changes occurring between the same coal at different locations, 2) elaborate on the influence of mineral-matter and maceral composition on mesopore and micropore characteristics, and 3) discuss implications of these variations for coal bed gas content. The coal is high volatile bituminous rank with R0 ranging from 0.57% to 0.60%. BET specific surface areas (determined by nitrogen adsorption) of the coals samples studied range from 1.8 to 22.9 m2/g, BJH adsorption mesopore volumes from 0.0041 to 0.0339 cm3/g, and micropore volumes (determined by carbon dioxide adsorption) from 0.0315 to 0.0540 cm3/g. The coals that had the largest specific surface areas and largest mesopore volumes occur at the shallowest depths, whereas the smallest values for these two parameters occur in the deepest coals. Micropore volumes, in contrast, are not depth-dependent. In the coal samples examined for this study, mineral-matter content influenced both specific surface area as well as mesopore and micropore volumes. It is especially clear in the case of micropores, where an increase in mineral-matter content parallels the decrease of micropore volume of the coal. No obvious relationships were observed between the total vitrinite content and pore characteristics but, after splitting vitrinite into individual macerals, we see that collotelinite influences both meso- and micropore volume positively, whereas collodetrinite contributes to the reduction of mesopore and micropore volumes. There are large variations in gas content within a single coal at a single location. Because of this variability, the entire thickness of the coal must be desorbed in order to determine gas content reliably and to accurately calculate the level of gas saturation. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {160},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-57849115939,

title = {Meso- and micropore characteristics of coal lithotypes: Implications for CO2 adsorption},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and J.A. Rupp},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-57849115939&doi=10.1021%2fef800544g&partnerID=40&md5=9066b3abc6121dc9e20f82fbf425a693},

doi = {10.1021/ef800544g},

issn = {08870624},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-01-01},

journal = {Energy and Fuels},

volume = {22},

number = {6},

pages = {4049-4061},

abstract = {Lithotypes (vitrain; clarain; and fusain) of high volatile bituminous Pennsylvanian coals (Ro of 0.56-0.62%) from Indiana (the Illinois Basin) have been studied with regard to meso- and micropore characteristics using low-pressure nitrogen and carbon dioxide adsorption techniques, respectively. High-pressure CO2 adsorption isotherms were obtained from lithotypes of the Lower Block Coal Member (the Brazil Formation) and the Springfield Coal Member (the Petersburg Formation), and after evacuation of CO2, the lithotypes were re-analyzed for meso- and micropore characteristics to investigate changes related to high-pressure CO2 adsorption. Coal lithotypes have differing Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface areas and mesopore volumes, with significantly lower values in fusains than in vitrains or clarains. Fusains have very limited pore volume in the pore size width of 4-10 nm, and the volume, increases with an increase in pore size, in contrast to vitrain, for which a 4-10 nm range is the dominant pore'Wlidth. For clarain, both pores of 4-10 nm and pores larger than 20 nm contribute substantially to the mesoporosity. Micropore surface areas are the smallest for fusain (from 72.8 to 98.2 m2/g), largest for vitrain (from 125.0 to;158.4 m2 /g), and intermediate for clarain (from 110.5 to 124.4 m2/g). Similar relationships are noted for micropore volumes, and the lower values of these parameters in fusains are related to smaller volumes of all incremental micropore sizes. In the Springfield and the Lower Block Coal Members, among lithotypes studied, fusain has the lowest adsorption capacity. For the Lower Block, vitrain has significantly higher adsorption capacity than fusain and clarain, whereas for the Springfield, vitrain and clarain have comparable but still significantly higher adsorption capacities than fusain. The Lower Block vitrain and fusain have much higher adsorption capacities than those in the Springfield, whereas the clarains of the two coals are comparable. After exposure of coal to CO2 at high pressure, vitrains experienced the largest porosity changes among all lithotypes studied. These changes are dominantly manifested in the mesoporosity (decrease in mesopore volume) range; whereas little to no change occurred in the micropore size range. In other lithotypes (clarains; the dominant lithology in the coals studied; and sporadic fusains), the changes were minimal. © 2008 American Chemical Society.},

note = {89},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-51249087515,

title = {Variability of geochemical properties in a microbially dominated coalbed gas system from the eastern margin of the Illinois Basin, USA},

author = { D. Stra̧poć and M. Mastalerz and A. Schimmelmann and A. Drobniak and S.W. Hedges},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-51249087515&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2008.02.002&partnerID=40&md5=db778cfab4ac7590d43cb1dbe80e04f7},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2008.02.002},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2008},

date = {2008-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {76},

number = {1-2},

pages = {98-110},

abstract = {This study outlines gas characteristics along the southeastern margins of the Illinois Basin and evaluates regional versus local gas variations in Seelyville and Springfield coal beds. Our findings suggest that high permeability and shallow (100-250 m) depths of these Indiana coals allowed inoculation with methanogenic microbial consortia, thus leading to widespread microbial methane generation along the eastern marginal part of the Illinois Basin. Low maturity coals in the Illinois Basin with a vitrinite reflectance Ro ~ 0.6% contain significant amounts of coal gas (~ 3 m3/t; 96 scf/t) with ≥ 97 vol.% microbial methane. The amount of coal gas can vary significantly within a coal seam both in a vertical seam section as well as laterally from location to location. Therefore sampling of an entire core section is required for accurate estimates of coal gas reserves. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {74},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-34247137194,

title = {Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc in the Danville and Springfield coal members (Pennsylvanian) from Indiana},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34247137194&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2006.05.005&partnerID=40&md5=698e72b1b861f34a49376a806461aa8f},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2006.05.005},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2007},

date = {2007-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {71},

number = {1 SPEC. ISS.},

pages = {37-53},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and zinc contents and distributions are discussed in two major Pennsylvanian coal beds in Indiana: the Danville Coal Member and the Springfield Coal Member. Arsenic contents of the Danville and Springfield coals show similar ranges from 0.5 to 43 ppm for the Danville Coal and 1 to 50 ppm for the Springfield Coal, with an average of 12.7 ppm for the Danville and 9.4 ppm for the Springfield Coal. Cadmium concentrations do not exceed 9 ppm, with an average of 0.4 for Danville and 0.7 ppm for the Springfield. Average Pb contents are 21.3 and 6.3 ppm, whereas Zn contents are 101 and 54 ppm for the Danville and the Springfield, respectively. The distribution of these elements varies both laterally and vertically within the coals, as functions of their mineral associations and the time of their emplacement. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {33},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-33745934620,

title = {Mercury content and petrographic composition in Pennsylvanian coal beds of Indiana, USA},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and G.M. Filippelli},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-33745934620&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2005.10.002&partnerID=40&md5=e57852127fee2b3a7be241d8303349dc},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2005.10.002},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {68},

number = {1-2 SPEC. ISS.},

pages = {2-13},

abstract = {A suite of high volatile bituminous coals of Pennsylvanian age from Indiana has been studied for their mercury (Hg) concentration and relationship between mercury content and maceral and lithotype composition. The coals ranged in Hg content from 0.02 in the Danville Coal Member to 0.31 ppm in the Upper Block Coal Member. Our study indicates that relationships between petrographic composition of coal and mercury content are site specific. This lack of a consistent relationship is explained by the fact that most Hg occurs in pyrite and not in the organic matter itself. Comparison of Hg content in durain/vitrain pairs shows that durain has more frequently a higher Hg content than vitrain, but the difference in frequency is inconsequential and shows no consistent pattern for a single coal bed or a single location. We suggest that increased concentration of Hg in vitrain is related to the presence of epigenetic pyrite in cleats. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {8},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-32644439826,

title = {Chemical evolution of Miocene wood: Example from the Belchatow brown coal deposit, central Poland},

author = { A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-32644439826&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2005.06.004&partnerID=40&md5=ac53e5a0cb0e77e3c1af576d53d1a9af},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2005.06.004},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2006},

date = {2006-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {66},

number = {3},

pages = {157-178},

abstract = {Miocene conifer wood samples from the Belchatow brown coal deposit in Poland were studied in order to discuss a range of chemical variations that occur as a result of biochemical coalification. Petrographic analysis, ultimate analysis, electron microprobe technique, and FTIR spectroscopy were used in this study. Our data show several progressive trends in functional groups distribution that take place during the wood transformation from group 1 to group 4, such as an overall increase in aromaticity, an increase in lignin/cellulose ratio, and an increase in oxygen functionalities. Other observations include an increase in aliphatic stretching and bending functionalities from groups 1 to 3; followed by a decrease in the wood of group 4; appearance of aliphatic out-of-plane bands in group 3 and increase in group 4; an increase in CH2/CH3 in group 4 compared to the other groups; and decrease in O-H groups in group 4 compared to other groups. These observations, together with other chemical and petrological observations, indicate that the progressive elimination of cellulose and modification of lignin are dominant processes of the wood transformation. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {50},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-23344447633,

title = {Mercury content of the Springfield coal, Indiana and Kentucky},

author = { J.C. Hower and M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak and J.C. Quick and C.F. Eble and M.J. Zimmerer},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-23344447633&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2005.03.018&partnerID=40&md5=40c54c490fd9f9f82b15fb8bd7143aeb},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2005.03.018},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {63},

number = {3-4},

pages = {205-227},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {With pending regulation of mercury emissions in United States power plants, its control at every step of the combustion process is important. An understanding of the amount of mercury in coal at the mine is the first step in this process. The Springfield coal (Middle Pennsylvanian) is one of the most important coal resources in the Illinois Basin. In Indiana and western Kentucky, Hg contents range from 0.02 to 0.55 ppm. The variation within small areas is comparable to the variation on a basin basis. Considerable variation also exists within the coal column, ranging from 0.04 to 0.224 ppm at one Kentucky site. Larger variations likely exist, since that site does not represent the highest whole-seam Hg nor was the collection of samples done with optimization of trace element variations in mind. Estimates of Hg capture by currently installed pollution control equipment range from 9-53% capture by cold-side electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and 47-81% Hg capture for ESP + flue-gas desulfurization (FGD). The high Cl content of many Illinois basin coals and the installation of Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx enhances the oxidation of Hg species, improving the ability of ESPs and FGDs to capture Hg. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {24},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-21644438151,

title = {Vertical variations of mercury in Pennsylvanian coal beds from Indiana},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-21644438151&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2005.02.004&partnerID=40&md5=55d139af75bc3be6b7a4c2702ebe1272},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2005.02.004},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {63},

number = {1-2 SPEC. ISS.},

pages = {36-57},

abstract = {Twenty-three in-situ coal sections were sampled in Indiana mines to investigate mercury (Hg) concentrations, with a special reference to in-seam vertical variations in Hg distribution. In addition to raw coal, corresponding float fractions were also analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of Hg reduction during conventional pre-combustion washing. Hg content in Indiana coals in the locations studied averages 0.11 mg/kg, which after recalculation into equal energy units corresponds to 9.2 lb Hg/1012 Btu (∼39.5 kg Hg/ 1010 MJ). Hg content is reduced after washing to 0.07 mg/kg on average, corresponding to an equal energy Hg loading of 5.2 lb Hg/ 1012 Btu (∼22.3 kg Hg/1010 MJ). A large portion of Hg appears to be associated with pyrite, as in the Springfield Coal Member of the Petersburg Formation (Pennsylvanian). In the samples from the Danville Coal Member of the Dugger Formation (Pennsylvanian), Hg is associated to a larger extent with organic matter. Large differences in Hg content may exist between different portions of a coal bed in a single location, indicating that very careful, complete sampling is necessary to get representative Hg concentration data. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {15},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-20444463163,

title = {Optical properties of pseudovitrinite; implications for its origin},

author = { M. Mastalerz and A. Drobniak},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-20444463163&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2005.03.019&partnerID=40&md5=b49e59659f1581158d825ebd2c77eda2},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2005.03.019},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2005},

date = {2005-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {62},

number = {4},

pages = {250-258},

abstract = {A set of Pennsylvanian coals from the North American coal basins, ranging in vitrinite reflectance from 0.65% to 1.75%, was examined, with special emphasis on the optical properties of pseudovitrinite. The results suggest that pseudovitrinite originates from the same material as telocollinite. Slits in the pseudovitrinite seem to have originated in situ due to low-temperature oxidation of woody material; their opening might have been facilitated by devolatilization during coalification. The dominant orientation of the slits is perpendicular to bedding. The intensity and orientation of the slits in pseudovitrinite could be important factors in predicting coalbed gas extraction from coal. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {9},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-3843127315,

title = {From in-situ coal to fly ash: A study of coal mines and power plants from Indiana},

author = { M. Mastalerz and J.C. Hower and A. Drobniak and S.M. Mardon and G.P. Lis},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-3843127315&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2004.01.005&partnerID=40&md5=7f4dccd617a3dd2d0f489f1251550dd4},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2004.01.005},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {59},

number = {3-4},

pages = {171-192},

abstract = {This paper presents data on the properties of coal and fly ash from two coal mines and two power plants that burn single-source coal from two mines in Indiana. One mine is in the low-sulfur (<1%) Danville Coal Member of the Dugger Formation (Pennsylvanian) and the other mines the high-sulfur (>5%) Springfield Coal Member of the Petersburg Formation (Pennsylvanian). Both seams have comparable ash contents (∼11%). Coals sampled at the mines (both raw and washed fractions) were analyzed for proximate/ultimate/sulfur forms/heating value, major oxides, trace elements and petrographic composition. The properties of fly ash from these coals reflect the properties of the feed coal, as well as local combustion and post-combustion conditions. Sulfur and spinel content, and As, Pb and Zn concentrations of the fly ash are the parameters that most closely reflect the properties of the source coal. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {70},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-1642487646,

title = {Evaluation of coalbed gas potential of the Seelyville Coal Member, Indiana, USA},

author = { A. Drobniak and M. Mastalerz and J.A. Rupp and N. Eaton},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-1642487646&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2003.12.007&partnerID=40&md5=f1f0c688dc01f173aa014e06627eff06},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2003.12.007},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2004},

date = {2004-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {57},

number = {3-4},

pages = {265-282},

abstract = {The Seelyville Coal Member of the Linton Formation in Indiana potentially contains 0.03 trillion m3 (1.1 TCF) of coalbed gas. The gas content determined by canister desorption technique ranges from 0.5 to 5.7 cm3/g on dry ash free basis (15.4 to 182.2 scf/ton). The controls on gas content distribution are complex, and cannot be explained by the coal rank alone. Ash content and the lithology of the overlying strata, among other factors, may influence this distribution. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},

note = {38},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}