Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was studied?
This study explored mercury emissions in the energy industry and the environmental footprint of mercury from various energy production methods. The authors focused on identifying the primary sources of mercury emissions, including coal combustion, biomass burning, and waste-to-energy incineration. They also examined the impact of these emissions on air, water, and soil quality, and proposed a methodology for calculating the “mercury footprint” of energy production. The study acknowledged that the energy industry is one of the largest contributors to anthropogenic mercury emissions globally, and it emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of mercury cycling in the energy sector. The paper also explored various mercury removal methods employed in energy plants and the challenges in mitigating emissions from the energy industry.
Who was studied?
The study did not focus on individual participants or specific groups but rather on the broader energy industry. It analyzed data from power plants, coal-fired facilities, and waste-to-energy plants across various geographical regions. The research reviewed the mercury emission profiles from coal combustion, biomass incineration, and waste-to-energy incineration processes. Additionally, it considered the environmental effects of these emissions on surrounding ecosystems, such as mercury accumulation in aquatic environments, particularly in reservoirs formed by hydroelectric dams. The research also addressed global mercury emissions, comparing contributions from different countries, with a focus on Asia, which has seen significant increases in mercury emissions due to industrialization.
Most important findings
The study highlighted that the energy industry is a major source of mercury pollution, particularly coal combustion, which is the leading contributor to atmospheric mercury emissions. Biomass combustion, although considered a renewable energy source, also contributes to mercury emissions, albeit at a lower rate than coal. The research found that mercury is released into the atmosphere during combustion, and in some cases, it can be deposited into aquatic ecosystems, particularly in reservoirs for hydroelectric plants. This leads to bioaccumulation of methylmercury in fish, posing a significant risk to human health when consumed. The study also emphasized the importance of understanding the mercury footprint, a measure that could quantify the total environmental impact of mercury emissions from energy production.
Mercury removal techniques, such as pre-combustion coal washing, post-combustion flue-gas treatment, and advanced air pollution control devices (APCDs), can significantly reduce mercury emissions. The research showed that the use of APCDs in coal-fired power plants could achieve mercury removal efficiencies of up to 90%. However, the study noted that the effectiveness of these techniques varied, and further advancements in technology are needed to optimize mercury removal processes.
Key implications
For the Heavy Metal Tested and Certified (HTMC) program, this study provides essential insights into the mercury emissions profile of energy production and its broader environmental impact. The findings suggest that energy producers should incorporate mercury footprint assessments in their sustainability frameworks, particularly for coal-fired and biomass energy plants. HTMC guidelines could adopt mercury emission thresholds for energy providers, promoting the use of advanced mercury removal technologies and incentivizing cleaner energy alternatives. The research underscores the importance of monitoring mercury levels in surrounding ecosystems, especially in water bodies and aquatic organisms, to assess potential risks to food safety. HTMC standards could also advocate for the responsible disposal of mercury-contaminated waste materials, ensuring that environmental contamination is minimized. As the study shows, mitigating mercury emissions in the energy sector requires a multifaceted approach that includes technological improvements, regulatory controls, and greater emphasis on mercury footprint assessment.
Citation
Charvát, P., Klimeš, L., Pospíšil, J., Klemeš, J. J., & Varbanov, P. S. (2020). An overview of mercury emissions in the energy industry – A step to mercury footprint assessment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 267, 122087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122087
Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxic heavy metal found in various consumer products and environmental sources, making it a major public health concern. Its regulation is critical to protect vulnerable populations from long-term health effects, such as neurological impairment and cardiovascular disease. The HMTC program ensures that products meet the highest standards for mercury safety.
