Mercury emissions in China: a general review

Abstract

This paper provides a general review of the research status of mercury emissions in China. Global surveys rank Asia as the region with the largest share of global mercury emissions, accounting for almost half. China contributes about one-third of the world’s mercury emissions, which is 600–800 t per year. And thus, it plays a vital role in reducing global mercury emissions. Data since 2003 has been surveyed. Mercury emissions in China have risen in the beginning and then declined. There are differences in the composition of mercury emissions sources between China and the world, in which coal combustion and non-ferrous metals smelting contribute more than 50% of the emissions in China. Although mercury emission standards in China are close to those of the European Union and the United States, annual mercury emissions in China are four times higher than those of the United States. Mercury emissions in China are concentrated in the central and eastern regions now, but the annual mercury emissions are increasing in the western regions, which may be related to the construction of industrial parks.