Organic Geochemistry of Benue Trough Coals : Biomarkers, Hydrocarbon Generation and Coking Potentials

The suitability of coal for any application depends on its rank and other quality parameters. Such information on Benue trough coals is either lacking or inadequate. Recent studies have shown that there are more deposits of coal in Nigeria than have previously been documented. The few exploited deposits are mainly used for combustion purposes. Despite the reported occurrences of other Nigerian coal deposits such as Lamza, Doho and Kumo, information regarding their investigation is rare. Therefore, part of the current challenge is to assess the quality of these coal deposits, determine their hydrocarbon-generative potentials, and find applications for the samples. This book therefore provides detailed Organic Geochemical studies of Benue Trough Coals and some of their applications. The studies combine proximate analysis, coal petrography, biomarkers and rock-eval pyrolysis in the assessment of the hydrocarbon source rock and coking potentials of the coals. The book is intended for researchers in coal and petroleum geochemistry and as a reference material for students in the subject area.