Trace element contents of the Lava xylite/lignite and Ptolemais lignite deposits, Macedonia County, Greece

[EN] The concentrations of 47 trace elements In the Lava xylite/lignite and Ptolemais lignite deposits, as well as in their intermediate sterile bands, were determined by ICP-MS. The majority of the trace elements are depleted, as compared to Clarke's earth. Three elements (As, Se and Ag) are enriched in all samples. The stock pile samples of Lava are enriched in Ge, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Hg and U, while the stock pile samples of Ptolemais are enriched in B, As, Se, Ag and U. The majority of the elements are more or less, positively correlated with the ash content of the coal samples, while Mo and Hg are possibly negatively correlated. The elemental composition of the investigated samples is related to the nature of plant communities and to the geological conditions and processes of the basin and surrounding areas.