The influence of several coal pretreatment processes (i.e., chemical desulfurization, physical floating, and kaolin scrubbing) on the fate of trace elements (TEs) emissions, i.e., As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb, are investigated. The behaviors of these TEs during combustion of pretreated coals in a drop-tube furnace are studied with respect to combustion conditions and fuel types. Almost all the studied TEs are partly removed using chemical desulfurization and the highest removal efficiency is found for Pb up to 77%. Coal physical floating eliminates 50%-60%, of most TEs, together with nearly 90% of ash removal for Qingshan bituminous coal. The contents of Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni in ashes are all decreased at certain extents (40-75%) when burning kaolin-blended coals and the highest removal efficiency is found for Ni up to 75%. However, beryllium (Be) cannot be eliminated using either physical floating or kaolin scrubbing.