The materials flow of mercury in the United States

摘要: Abstract This report describes the materials flow of mercury in United States. It examines mining and production manufacturing, uses, ultimate disposal mercury. Materials flowcharts were prepared for 1989 1990. An effort was made to include estimates all major anthropogenic sources including fossil fuel combustion, waste incineration, nonferrous metal operations. Mining mineral processing released about 100 metric tons per year (mt/yr) environment both The combustion fuels 175 mt/yr same years. use, products containing accounted release 1037 mt 938 manufacture chlorine caustic soda a source recycled mercury, but it reused within industry. Recovery from 36% reported consumption 42% losses manufacturing end use have been declining, whereas emitted has not strictly regulated will likely become largest releases environment.