Size distribution of trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fly ashes generated in Greek lignite-fired power plants.

The fly ashes arrested by the electrostatic precipitators of four large lignite-fired Greek power stations (total installed capacity 4048 MW) were investigated regarding the distribution of 27 major, minor and trace elements and 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in six size ranges from <40 to >105 microm. An inverse relationship of concentration with particle size was observed for trace elements, such as As, Se, Zn, Pb, Cd, as well as for Ca, whereas the distribution of the matrix elements Al, Si, Ti, Fe, Mg was fairly flat up to 105 microm with relative enrichment or depletion in larger particle sizes. A reverse relationship of concentration with particle size was also revealed for all PAHs, particularly the heavier compounds.