Inventory of mercury emission sources in Azerbaijan

Abstract

Mercury is one of the most toxic metals and is widely used in the environment. It is a heavy liquid metal, which contains extremely dangerous substances that pollute the atmosphere, water, food. Sources of mercury emissions – mining and smelting of mercury-containing ores from sulphide ores, extraction of non-ferrous metals, gold from ore, bleaching of cellulose, chlorine, caustic, vinyl chloride, electrical equipment (lamps, various power sources), measuring and control devices (thermometer, monometer), mercury-containing preparations, cement production , use of mercury-containing pesticides, combustion of coal and fuel oil. Significant amounts of mercury are also released into the environment during waste incineration. The results of the inventory of mercury emissions in Azerbaijan are presented. There were analyzed all the main areas of national industry of Azerbaijan, in which the presence of mercury, conducted quantitative assessments, and in some cases revealed their trends. One of the obligations in accordance with the requirements of the Minamata Convention is the creation of an inventory of emissions into the environment "Mercury" prepared by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP Chemicals – Waste). To create a cadastre, all the main trends in the national industry of Azerbaijan were analyzed. The overall health impact of mercury is assessed.