Zpravodaj Hnědé uhlí 2012, 52(1)
Mercury and the environment
- Výzkumný ústav pro hnědé uhlí a.s., Most
Because of the high toxicity, mercury is getting to the centre of attention on the national, European, as well as worldwide level. Mercury can harm any living cell and this is why it is toxic for animals as well as plants. Mercury differs from other heavy metals in several physical and chemical properties. Atmospheric mercury emissions are monitored and may be linked to the long-range transport of pollution. From this point of view, mercury is very special as it can travel long distances in the atmosphere without any chemical changes. This was the reason why mercury was included in the Protocol on Heavy Metals of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, which is one of key stones of the European air protection. Gathering all relevant data on mercury was the main objective of the first part of the research project conducted by the Výzkumný ústav pro Hnědé Uhlí Company. Some of the results are presented in the paper.
Keywords: heavy metals, mercury, mercury forms, redistribution of mercury, emission, environment
Published: March 1, 2012 Show citation