What are the major emission sources of mercury?
Mercury is released to the atmosphere, aquatic environment, and terrestrial environment. Direct releases of Hg to the atmosphere and aquatic ecosystems–>aquatic ecosystems seem to be comparable while direct releases to the terrestrial ecosystems–>terrestrial ecosystems seem to be somewhat higher than the releases to the atmosphere or aquatic ecosystems, possibly up to 50%. However, the assessment of atmospheric emissions is much more advanced and accurate than the assessment of Hg releases to the two other compartments of the environment. Therefore, the importance of Hg releases to the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems should be regarded with caution. Atmospheric emissions of Hg occur during the production –>production and consumption –>consumption of industrial goods, waste–>waste disposal and as re-emission from aquatic and terrestrial surfaces. Production of industrial goods is by far the major source of atmospheric emissions of Hg. Processing of mineral–>mineral resources at
