Trace Elements in West Virginia Coals

Stratigraphic Distribution of Lead (Pb)

Chart of average lead (Pb) content, in ppm on a whole coal basis, for each West Virginia coal bed in stratigraphic order (larger version) — Select the chart to open a larger version.

The stratigraphic distribution of Lead (Pb) shows somewhat low lead levels in the Pocahontas Formation through lower Kanawha coals, with a moderate increase in lead content in coals of the middle Kanawha Formation through the Conemaugh Group, and a sharp decrease in lead in the coal beds of the Monongahela through Dunkard Groups. Throughout West Virginia, lead contents averaged less than 15 ppm lead on a whole coal basis. High values in single samples of the Upper Mercer and Chilton coals are unexplained (see cautionary notes page).

General Elements Page
HAP Elements Page

To request specific information from a Survey geologist, see Requests for Information.

Page content last revised: March 2, 2002