Different Sources of Mercury in Environment
Mercury Hg is a toxic heavy metal that can harm the environment and human health but Its pollution occurs through industrial processes, mining, and burning fossil fuels.
When It accumulates in water bodies, soil, and air, and can travel long distances through the food chain.
Because It affects ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, causing neurological damage, birth defects, and kidney damage.
The Minamata Convention aims to reduce mercury emissions and releases globally.
Reducing its use in products like thermometers, batteries, and lighting can help as well as minimize its environmental impact.
Main sources of Mercury pollution
• Volcanic eruptions
• Weathering of rocks
• Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)
• Stationary combustion of coal
• Non-ferrous metals production
• Cement production
• Waste from products
• Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) production
• Biomass burning
• Ferrous metals production
• Chlor-alkali production
• Waste incineration
• Oil refining
• Stationary combustion of oil and gas
• Cremation
Some facts about Mercury pollution
Major sources
Its pollution comes from industrial processes, mining, and burning fossil fuels, particularly coal. The largest source is small-scale gold mining, accounting for 20-30% of global emissions.
Health impacts
Its exposure causes brain and kidney damage, birth defects, and neurological disorders. It can also lead to tremors, muscle weakness, and vision and hearing problems.
Environmental impacts
It accumulates in water bodies, soil, and air, contaminating ecosystems and wildlife. It affects fish and shellfish, making them unsafe for human consumption. When entertaining in soil it will shifted to food chain and transfer to human body. It has different sources as stated above other as main source of Hg is fertilizer by adding to soil for increasing crop production but presence of toxic metals in fertilizer lead to heavy pollution in soil and also in food.
International efforts
The Minamata Convention aims to reduce mercury emissions and reduce releases globally. Signatory countries must develop national action plans to minimize mercury use and emissions because this the only source to reduce the environmental imapcts.
Reducing Mercury use
Alternatives to mercury-based products, like thermometers and lighting, can help minimize its environmental impact. Recycling and proper disposal of mercury-containing products are crucial because proper disposal and incineration are prime responsibility of waste producer. Disposal by incineration is also important for safe Environmental practice and toxicity of Environment because it affects the health issues by penetration in lungs and causes lung diseases.
EPA regulations
In the US, EPA sets standards for Hg emissions from power plants, incinerators, and also industrial processes. The agency also regulates its use in products and provides guidance for reducing exposures and It should be followed by all EPAs of the world, standard limits for mercury and reduce pollution on disposal.
Global progress
Mercury emissions have decreased in some regions due to regulations and alternative technologies. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to address the persisting global its pollution problem as a result there are so many alternative to reduce uses of mercury, detail of alternatives is given in other blog.
