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NARSTO Workshop on Innovative Methods for Emission Inventory Development and Evaluation University of Texas, Austin October 14-17, 2003 |
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Poster 24: Global Emission Of Mercury From Anthropogenic Sources In 2000
E.G. Pacyna and J.M. Pacyna
Norwegian Institute for Air Research, P.O.Box 100, 2027 Kjeller, Norway
An estimate of the global emission of mercury from anthropogenic sources in 2000 is presented. Major emphasis is placed on emissions from stationary combustion sources, non-ferrous metal production, pig iron and steel production, cement production and waste disposal. Emission estimates are based on information received from environmental protection authorities in various countries and the author´s calculations using emission factors and statistical data. About three quarters of the total anthropogenic emissions of Hg originate from combustion of fuels, particularly coal combustion in China, India, and South and North Korea. In general, the Asian countries contribute about 60 % to the global emissions of mercury to the atmosphere. Europe and North America seem to contribute less than 25 %. The major chemical form of mercury emitted to the atmosphere is gaseous elemental mercury, contributing with about 50 % to the total emissions, followed by gaseous bivalent mercury with 40 %. The Hg emissions on particles contribute only about 10 % to the total emissions. Again, Asia contributes about 50 % to the total emissions of all individual chemical forms of mercury. Concerning the accuracy of the Hg emission estimates, the following values were obtained: 25 % for stationary fossil fuel combustion, 30 % for industrial sources (e.g. non-ferrous metal production, cement production and iron and steel production) and a factor of 3 for waste disposal.