The release of antimony into the atmospheric air on the territory of Belarus: sources, levels and long-term dynamics

Abstract

The results of the first assessment of the antimony release into the atmospheric air on the territory of Belarus are discussed. The main anthropogenic sources of antimony emission have been identified, the emission factors have been developed, and the volumes of antimony emission for the period from 1990 to 2020 have been calculated. It is shown that total antimony emissions varied in the range from 1.6 to 5.6 tons per year with maximum values in the early 1990 s, and minimal – in 2000. Antimony emission in 2020 on the territory of the country is estimated at 2.4 t, the contribution of Belarus to global emission is 0.1 %. Decreasing trend of antimony emission over a 30-year period and a change in the contribution of the main sources to total emission have been established. A significant decrease in the contribution of stationary combustion of fuel (from 66 to 14 %) is due to a change in the fuel balance and is accompanied by increase of the contribution of brake wear (from 34 to 61 %). The data obtained can be used to model the transport and dispersion of antimony, to assess health and ecosystems risks, and to develope measures to reduce the releases of antimony into the environment.