Trace metal speciation in Julia Creek oil shale

The speciation of sixteen trace elements in Julia Creek oil shale was estimated based on the comparative evaluation of three different models referring to various chemical digestion procedures. Demineralisation steps were monitored by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and the results discussed together with those reported in literature. While it is possible to determine some element concentrations in the carbonate (e.g. Mn, Sr), in the silicate (e.g. Ti, V), and in the sulfide fractions (e.g. Cu, Ga, As), concentrations in the kerogen phase can only be estimated within a relatively broad range. Element distributions between different sedimentary phases seem to be very similar when comparing Julia Creek with other oil shales.