Updated 2000-10-23
Our knowledge of mercury fluxes on a global scale is still incomplete. Estimates indicate that Europe and North America contribute less than about 25 % to the global anthropogenic emissions of the element to the atmosphere. The majority of the remaining emissions originate from combustion of fossil fuels, particularly in the Asian countries including China, India, and South and North Korea. Even less and very controversial information is available on emissions of mercury from natural sources, including volatilization of the element from terrestrial and aquatic surfaces. In general, it is assumed that natural emissions of the element are about 3000 t/year, thus contributing more 60 % to the total global emissions of mercury. However, much work needs to be done in order to verify the above estimate.
This is a National Implementation Plan (NIP) project
Time frame
- Status
- Completed
- Project time span
- 1999 - 2000
- Data collection
- 1995 -
- Data processing
- 1995 -
- Data reporting
- 1995 -
Geography
- Regions studied
- Heavy metals
- Other areas
- Northern Hemisphere
Data availability
- If no (or only part of data are reported to a TDC), where and how are (other) data stored?
- Emission database at NILU. Data are currently available to AMAP from NILU by e-mail.
- References to key publications (or planned publications) and data reports
- NILU: OR 7/2000
Ref.: O-99096
Date: MARCH 2000
ISBN: 82-425-1154-3
- Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?
- No
Methods & Procedures
Not specified
Additional Information
- Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?
- No