Mercury emissions into the atmosphere from a chlor-alkali complex measured with the lidar technique

Abstract

Data are reported on atmospheric mercury flux measured by a lidar system at a chlor-alkali plant located in central Italy. Two mercury sources were identified over the electrolytic cell rooms. A flux value of 36 g h −1 was determined during the daytime while at night the value increase to 56 g h −1. The mercury emitted into the atmosphere was found to be 4 g per 1000 kg of chlorine produced. Atmospheric mercury concentrations were supplemented with some determinations made with the point monitor technique.