Signatures of Holocene Hydrological Processes from Sedimentary Archives in Southwestern India: Case Studies from Wetlands of Kerala Coast

This study investigates the abundance, modes of occurrence and origin of major and trace elements in the Jurassic Tazareh coal in the northern Iran. A total of 27 samples (coal, coaly shale and siltstones) were collected and analyzed for trace elements by neutron activation analysis (INAA) and for major elements by X-ray fluorescence. The abundance of these elements is discussed in relation to local geological conditions. The correlation between the various elements is demonstrated through scatter diagrams and the possible genetic associations are discussed. Most elements (Al, Si, Na, K, Fe, Mg, Ti, Ba, Cr and REE) are positively correlated with ash yields that are inorganically associated. Bromine displays statistically signiûcant negative correlations with ash yield. The Ca, Zn, Se, As and Co present mixed modes of occurrence in the coal and probably associate with organic fraction.