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Zhou Y, Ma S, Zhu W, Shi Q, Jiang H, Lu R, Wu W. Revealing varying relationships between wastewater mercury emissions and economic growth in Chinese cities. Environ Pollut 2024; 341:122944. [PMID: 37981186 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Mercury emission from industrial wastewater has a great impact on the aquatic environment but is not well studied. Inventory analysis, decoupling and decomposition methods have been conducted based on the China Pollution Source Census dataset, which combines industry removal efficiencies to calculate mercury emissions from industrial wastewater in 340 cities in China during 2000-2010. The results show that over these 11 years, total mercury emissions and per capita mercury emissions increased by approximately 5 times, while the emission intensity increased by only about 3%. From 2000 to 2010, only 0.59% of cities showed strong decoupling between economic growth and mercury emissions, and 37.65% of cities showed weak decoupling, whereas 38.82% of cities showed negative decoupling. We attribute the decoupling of economic development and emissions in individual cities to several socioeconomic factors and find that a decline in emission intensity is the main driver. The Gini coefficient indicates a significant imbalance between cities' emissions, but this situation improved during 2000-2010. The objective of this article is to provide a historical perspective on the situation of mercury emissions from wastewater in China, thereby contributing' to the broader understanding of industrial pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchun Zhou
- Green Economy Development Institute, School of Economics, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shu Ma
- Green Economy Development Institute, School of Economics, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wenhui Zhu
- The Center for Innovation of Zero-waste Society, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China.
| | - Qingquan Shi
- Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, 63130, United States
| | - Hongqiang Jiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China; The Center for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Regional Environment, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China; The Center for Eco-Environmental Accounting, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China
| | - Ran Lu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China; The Center for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Regional Environment, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China; The Center for Eco-Environmental Accounting, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China
| | - Wenjun Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China; The Center for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Regional Environment, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China; The Center for Eco-Environmental Accounting, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100041, PR China.
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Peng D, Lyu J, Song Z, Huang S, Zhang P, Gao J, Zhang Y. Mercury budgets in the suspended particulate matters of the Yangtze River. Water Res 2023; 243:120390. [PMID: 37516080 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Riverine processes are crucial for the biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg). The Yangtze River, the largest river in East Asia, discharges a substantial amount of Hg into the East China Sea. However, the influencing factors of the Hg budget and its recent trends remain unclear. This study quantitatively analyzed the total Hg concentration (THg) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Yangtze River and calculated the Hg budget in 2018 and 2021. The results showed that the total Hg concentrations varied substantially along the river, with concentrations ranging from 23 to 883 μg/kg in 2018 and 47 to 146 μg/kg in 2021. The average Hg flux to China Sea in 2018 and 2021 were approximately 10 Mg/yr, lower than in 2016 (48 Mg/yr). Over 70% of the SPM was trapped in the Three Gorges Dam (TGD), and 22 Mg/yr of Hg settled in the TGD in 2018 and 10 Mg/yr in 2021. Hg fluxes in the Yangtze River watershed were driven by various factors, including decreased industrial emissions, increased agriculture emissions, and decreased soil erosion flux. We found that in the upper reach of the Yangtze River changed from sink to source of Hg possibly due to the resuspension of sediments, which implies that the settled sediments could be a potential source of Hg for downstream. Overall, emission control policies may have had a positive impact on reducing Hg flux to the East China Sea from 2016 to 2021, but more efforts are needed to further reduce Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Peng
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China; Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jixuan Lyu
- Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhengcheng Song
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shaojian Huang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jianhua Gao
- Nanjing University, School of Geography and Ocean Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Coast and Island Development, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- Nanjing University, School of Atmospheric Sciences, 163 Xianlin Road, Qixia Distinct, Nanjing 210023, China; Frontiers Science Center for Critical Earth Material Cycling, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Lv D, Wu Q, Ouyang D, Wen M, Zhang G, Wang S, Duan L. Differentiated emission control strategy based on comprehensive evaluation of multi-media pollution: Case of mercury emission control. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 123:222-234. [PMID: 36521986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In order to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impact of multi-media mercury pollution under differentiated emission control strategies in China, a literature review and case studies were carried out. Increased human exposure to methylmercury was assessed through the dietary intake of residents in areas surrounding a typical coal-fired power plant and a zinc (Zn) smelter, located either on acid soil with paddy growth in southern China, or on alkaline soil with wheat growth in northern China. Combined with knowledge on speciated mercury in flue gas and the fate of mercury in the wastewater or solid waste of the typical emitters applying different air pollution control devices, a simplified model was developed by estimating the incremental daily intake of methylmercury from both local and global pollution. Results indicated that air pollution control for coal-fired power plants and Zn smelters can greatly reduce health risks from mercury pollution, mainly through a reduction in global methylmercury exposure, but could unfortunately induce local methylmercury exposure by transferring more mercury from flue gas to wastewater or solid waste, then contaminating surrounding soil, and thus increasing dietary intake via crops. Therefore, tightening air emission control is conducive to reducing the comprehensive health risk, while the environmental equity between local and global pollution control should be fully considered. Rice in the south tends to have higher bioconcentration factors than wheat in the north, implying the great importance of strengthening local pollution control in the south, especially for Zn smelters with higher contribution to local pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Daiwei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Minneng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gehui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
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Li G, Wang S, Wu Q, Li J, Chen Z, Li J, Wang F, Han D, Li Z, Tang Y, Ouyang D, Liu K. Mercury emission characteristics and mechanism in the raw mill system of cement clinker production. J Hazard Mater 2022; 430:128403. [PMID: 35739653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution has attracted worldwide attention due to its toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence. Cement clinker production is the top emitter of atmospheric mercury in China and the emissions from raw mill systems account for about 85% of all emissions. However, the mercury emission characteristics and mechanisms as a function of time during an operation cycle are still unclear. This study aims to reveal the mercury emission characteristics and mechanisms in cement plants by comprehensively using offline and online field measurements, control experiments and heat transfer analysis. Research results indicated that an intermediate temperature (300-500 °C) desorption and the heterogeneous oxidation of mercury in the precalciner, the selective adsorption of oxidized gaseous mercury (Hg2+) to raw meal, and Hg2+ re-vaporization in the conditioning tower jointly caused an increase in the Hg2+ ratio (15.3%-83.6%) during the mill-off mode. In addition, mercury concentrations remained at approximately 6.5 μg/Nm3 during the mill-on mode while the values reached a peak of 1835.4 μg/Nm3 during the mill-off mode. Thus, atmospheric mercury emissions during the mill-off mode accounted for 35.0%- 71.7% of the emissions during the entire cycle, although the mill-off period only lasted for 5%- 17% of the whole cycle. Our results therefore suggest that supervisory monitoring of mercury in cement clinker production should specify the operating status of raw mills. Mercury control technologies targeting a relatively short period for the mill-off mode can substantially reduce mercury emissions from cement clinker production, and thus, the related impacts on ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Junhua Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiayin Li
- School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Fengyang Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Deming Han
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Tang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Daiwei Ouyang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China; School of Environment & Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China
| | - Kaiyun Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
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Thepanondh S, Tunlathorntham V. Appropriate scenarios for mercury emission control from coal-fired power plant in Thailand: emissions and ambient concentrations analysis. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04197. [PMID: 32577570 PMCID: PMC7300093 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimum control of mercury released from the coal-fired power plant is evaluated by determining its efficiency and appropriateness in reducing emissions and ambient air concentrations. The 2400 MW power plant fueled by lignite located in Thailand is demonstrated in this study. Emissions of mercury from the coal-fired power plant are calculated under 3 major scenarios. The first scenario is the amount of mercury released under the existing operation of the power plant. Emission rate of mercury is calculated as 41 g/h which indicates a co-benefit of mercury removal from the installation of existing conventional air pollution treatment systems (electrostatic precipitator and wet flue gas desulfurization) as compare with the 2nd scenario of without equipping of air pollution control devices at the power plant (374 g/h of mercury emission). Adding controlling measures to existing operation of the power plant can lead to decreasing of mercury emissions at different levels. The relationship between changing of emissions affected to ambient air concentrations of mercury is evaluated using the CALPUFF air dispersion model. Results indicate small decreasing of predicted ambient concentrations after applying additional mercury control measures to the BAU of the power plant. This study reveals the co-benefit of existing air pollution treatment devices in controlling mercury emission. It also illustrates that the efficiency and appropriateness of current air pollution control system is in an optimal and acceptable levels in mercury control. Finding and methodology in this study can be used as a case study in quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness and appropriateness of environmental control mitigation measures added to the existing operations. It clearly illustrates the need to analyze the co-benefit of current air pollution control system towards the accomplishment on controlling emissions of other emerging air pollutants which will provide the best optimum air pollution control to the emission source.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Thepanondh
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - V. Tunlathorntham
- Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
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Xie H, Liu M, He Y, Lin H, Yu C, Deng C, Wang X. An experimental study of the impacts of solar radiation and temperature on mercury emission from different natural soils across China. Environ Monit Assess 2019; 191:545. [PMID: 31392424 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7717-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) emission from natural soil is one of the most important contributors to global Hg cycles. Research on Hg emission from soil to air has been carried out in China. Currently, most of the research focuses on contaminated sites in China, while research in other regions is rare. To provide more accurate information on Hg emissions from soil to air in China and obtain additional laboratory data to verify the role of solar radiation and temperature in this process, we sampled and measured Hg emission fluxes from various natural soils (range, 48-240 ng/g) across mainland China under different solar radiation (0-900 W·m-2) and temperature (15-45 °C) conditions in a laboratory. We found that in different places in China, Hg emissions from natural soils occurred more easily when the soil Hg concentration, temperature, and solar radiation were high, but the impacts were different among the regions due to different soil types. Hg emissions from natural soils (0.071-24 ng·m2·h-1) were typically lower than those from contaminated sites, suggesting that additional measurements in natural soils are desirable. The results of this study could provide more accurate information on Hg emission from natural soil to air and help establish a nationwide natural soil Hg emission inventory in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Xie
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Maodian Liu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Yipeng He
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Huiming Lin
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chenghao Yu
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chunyan Deng
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Ministry of Education Laboratory of Earth Surface Process, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Pigatto PD, Costa A, Guzzi G. Are mercury and Alzheimer's disease linked? Sci Total Environ 2018; 613-614:1579-1580. [PMID: 28889904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo D Pigatto
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, IRCCS Galeazzi Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Costa
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ca' Granda Foundation, Maggiore Hospital Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Guzzi
- Italian Association for Metals and Biocompatibility Research - A.I.R.M.E.B., Milan, Italy.
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Zhao S, Duan Y, Chen L, Li Y, Yao T, Liu S, Liu M, Lu J. Study on emission of hazardous trace elements in a 350 MW coal-fired power plant. Part 1. Mercury. Environ Pollut 2017; 229:863-870. [PMID: 28779897 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hazardous trace elements (HTEs), especially mercury, emitted from coal-fired power plants had caused widespread concern worldwide. Field test on mercury emissions at three different loads (100%, 85%, 68% output) using different types of coal was conducted in a 350 MW pulverized coal combustion power plant equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR), electrostatic precipitator and fabric filter (ESP + FF), and wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD). The Ontario Hydro Method was used for simultaneous flue gas mercury sampling for mercury at the inlet and outlet of each of the air pollutant control device (APCD). Results showed that mercury mass balance rates of the system or each APCD were in the range of 70%-130%. Mercury was mainly distributed in the flue gas, followed by ESP + FF ash, WFGD wastewater, and slag. Oxidized mercury (Hg2+) was the main form of mercury form in the flue gas emitted to the atmosphere, which accounted for 57.64%-61.87% of total mercury. SCR was favorable for elemental mercury (Hg0) removal, with oxidation efficiency of 50.13%-67.68%. ESP + FF had high particle-bound mercury (Hgp) capture efficiency, at 99.95%-99.97%. Overall removal efficiency of mercury by the existing APCDs was 58.78%-73.32%. Addition of halogens or oxidants for Hg0 conversion, and inhibitors for Hg0 re-emission, plus the installation of a wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) was a good way to improve the overall removal efficiency of mercury in the power plants. Mercury emission factor determined in this study was from 0.92 to 1.17 g/1012J. Mercury concentration in the emitted flue gas was much less than the regulatory limit of 30 μg/m3. Contamination of mercury in desulfurization wastewater should be given enough focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Yufeng Duan
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China; Hua Neng Nantong Power Plant, Nantong, 226003, China
| | - Yaning Li
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Ting Yao
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Jianhong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion and Control of Ministry of Education, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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Jung R, Ahn YS. Distribution of Mercury Concentrations in Tree Rings and Surface Soils Adjacent to a Phosphate Fertilizer Plant in Southern Korea. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2017; 99:253-257. [PMID: 28536797 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2115-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine mercury concentrations in tree rings and surface soils at distances of 4, 26 and 40 km from a fertilizer plant located in Yeosu City, Korea. Mercury concentrations in all tree rings were low prior to the establishment of the plant in 1977 and became elevated thereafter. The highest average mercury concentration in the tree rings was 11.96 ng g-1 at the Yeosu site located nearest to the plant, with the lowest average mercury concentration of 4.45 ng g-1 at the Suncheon site furthest away from the plant. In addition, the highest mercury content in the surface soil was 108.51 ng cm-3 at the Yeosu site, whereas the lowest mercury content in the surface soil was 31.47 ng cm-3 at the Suncheon site. The mercury levels decreased gradually with increasing distance from the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raae Jung
- Division of Forest Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Sang Ahn
- Division of Forest Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, 77, Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Chakraborty P. Mercury exposure and Alzheimer's disease in India - An imminent threat? Sci Total Environ 2017; 589:232-235. [PMID: 28262357 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
India is an industrial giant with one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. Primary energy consumption in India is third after China and the USA. Greater energy production brings the burden of increasing emissions of mercury (Hg). India ranks second for Hg emissions. Rising atmospheric Hg release, high Hg evasion processes, and increasing monomethylmercury (highly neurotoxin) accumulations in marine food products increase the potential for human and ecosystem Hg exposure. Hg has been identified to increase the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are increasing reports of AD and dementia in different age groups in India. The relationship between increasing Hg exposure and increasing neurodegenerative disorder in India is not known. This commentary points to the need for better understanding of the relationship between Hg release and AD in India, and other countries, and how to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthasarathi Chakraborty
- Geological Oceanography Division, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403004, India.
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