Mercury speciation in a coal‐fired power plant plume: An aircraft‐based study of emissions from the 3640 MW Nanticoke Generating Station, Ontario, Canada

摘要: [1] Coal-fired power plants are one of the principal sources mercury to atmosphere. The form this takes is predominant factor determining its fate after emission. Recent ground-level field and modeling studies suggest that oxidized in stack emissions converted into elemental plume. We present here aircraft-based plume measurements taken by Environment Canada 2000 at Nanticoke Generating Station as part Health Toxic Substances Research Initiative Metals Network. Although average speciation observed (82% Hg0, 13% Hg(II)(g), 5% Hg(P), mass) appears be distinct from stacks (53% 43% 4% Hg(P)), we find in-plume concentrations a whole can explained dilution discrepancy between in-stack Hg(II) statistically significant, yet not associated with transformation Hg0. Sampling biases differing techniques used measure may reconcile concentration without invoking novel chemical reactions or physical processes. influences local deposition, majority emitted transported out surrounding area.