Preliminary organic geochemical study of lignite from the Smederevsko Pomoravlje field (Kostolac basin, Serbia): Reconstruction of geological evolution and potential for rational utilization

Abstract

The paper is aimed to determine the origin and geological evolution of lignites from Smederevsko Pomoravlje field (Kostolac Basin, Serbia). Possible rational utilization of coal is also considered. For this purpose numerous organic geochemical analyses have been applied to representative lignite samples. Obtained results showed that coal from the Smederevsko Pomoravlje field is typical humic coal. Peat-forming vegetation is dominated by gymnosperm plants. Coal forming plants belonged to the gymnosperm families Taxodiaceae, Cupressaceae, Phyllocladaceae and Pinaceae. Other precursors of organic matter (OM) were microbial biomass, ferns and angiosperms. It is established that peatification was performed in neutral to slightly acidic, fresh water environment under anoxic to suboxic redox conditions. Maturity of OM is low in the phase of intense diagenetic processes. Biomarker compositions and values of corresponding parameters revealed that Smederevsko Pomoravlje field, Drmno field (Kostolac Basin) and “A“ field (Kovin deposit) represent a part of the unique lignite basin. Results of this study suggest possible rational utilization of the Smederevsko Pomoravlje lignites in thermal power plants. This is particularly related to samples from coal seam I. Significant amount of gas could be generated from lignites at higher maturities. Eight samples meet basic assumptions for effective gasification. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 176006]

Keywords

• lignites
• Kostolac Basin
• organic matter
• biomarkers
• palaeoreconstruction
• utilization