THE CHEMISTRY OF MERCURY IN COMBUSTION SYSTEMS AND AIR POLLUTION CONTROL DEVICES: A REVIEW

摘要

U.S. EPA has recently put in place limits on Hg emissions from U.S. coal-fired utilities, the largest remaining point-source category of emissions not currently regulated with the Clean Air Mercury Rule of CAMR. The recent Clean Air Interstate Rule or CAIR specifies reductions in NOx and SO2 emissions, which are projected to result in a 40% reduction in Hg emissions in the utility sector by 2010, the start of Phase I of the CAMR. This Hg reduction is assumed to result from existing technologies, primarily as a co-benefit of reducing other pollutants such as NOx, and SO2, in 28 eastern states and the District of Columbia. A similar plan has been introduced in Canada, with emissions caps in 2010 that vary from province to province, and the possibility of more stringent reductions by 2018. Mercury- specific control technology will be required in the U.S. to achieve 70% reductions in Hg emissions mandated by 2018 under the Clean Air Mercury Rule. Compliance with these new regulations necessitates a solid understanding fundamental understanding of mercury chemistry.