Mercury Flows in China and Global Drivers

Mercury (Hg) pollution
control has become an urgent need at global and national scales. This
study, for the first time, comprehensively examines Hg flows in Mainland
China and uncovers domestic and external causal drivers of China’s
Hg emissions/releases. Results show that China’s Hg input reaches
2643 t in 2010. China discharges 1368 t of Hg to the environment (to
air, 633 t; water, 84 t; and land, 651 t). Embedded Hg transfers across
production sectors via waste/byproduct flows reduce Hg releases to
land, but lead to secondary Hg emissions to air. Such revelations
of embedded Hg transfers adjusts China’s comprehensive Hg control
that would otherwise only tackle primary emitters. Domestic consumption
causes 67% of China’s Hg emissions/releases, and external consumption
induces the remaining 33%. Besides traditional production-side Hg
control measures, demand-side measures and international joint efforts
are required to effectively combat Hg pollution. Uncovering embedded
and embodied Hg flows within the global economy can assist a paradigm
shift necessary to make real progress in global Hg control and the
implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.