Lignite (derived from Latin lignum meaning ´wood´) often referred to as brown coal, is a soft, brown, combustible, sedimentary rock formed from naturally compressed peat. It has a carbon content around 25–35%, and is considered the lowest rank of coal due to its relatively low heat content. When removed from the ground, it contains a very high amount of moisture which partially explains its low carbon content. Lignite is mined all around the world and is used almost exclusively as a fuel for steam-electric power generation.
The combustion for lignite produces less heat for the amount of carbon dioxide and sulfur released than other ranks of coal. As a result lignite is the most harmful coal to human health. Depending on the source, various toxic heavy metals, including naturally occurring radioactive materials, may be present in lignite which are left over in the coal fly ash produced from its combustion, further increasing health risks.
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