Mercury distribution characteristics in primary manganese smelting plants

Back, Seung Ki; Sung, Jooyoung; Moon, Young Hoon; Kim, Young Hee; Seok, Kwang Seol; Song, Geum Ju; Seo, Yong Chil

doi:10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.097

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 25 publications

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“…However, few studies have investigated the effects of mining and smelting of Mn ores. One study on Mn ore showed that it had a high content of Hg, which could be released to the environment via wastewater during smelting and have high bioavailability [ 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of Mercury and Methylmercury in Farmland Soils Affected by Manganese Mining and Smelting Activities

Zhang

Wei-bin

Yin

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Manganese (Mn)-related activities would affect the mercury (Hg) cycling in farmlands, whereas this was not well understood. Here, one of the largest Mn ores in China was selected to study the effects of Mn-related activities on the accumulation and distribution of total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in farmland soils. The soil THg concentrations in the mining area were 0.56 ± 0.45, 0.56 ± 0.45, 0.53 ± 0.44, and 0.50 ± 0.46 mg kg−1 in the 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm layers, respectively, while they were increased to 0.75 ± 0.75, 0.72 ± 0.60, 0.62 ± 0.46, and 0.52 ± 0.38 mg kg−1 in the smelting area. Similarly, the soil MeHg concentrations in the smelting area were also elevated by 1.04–1.34 times as compared to those in the mining area. Concentrations of THg (0.59 ± 0.50 mg kg−1) and MeHg (0.64 ± 0.82 μg kg−1) in soils were higher than the regional background value but lower than in vicinal Hg-mining areas, while they were largely elevated at the intersection of two rivers in the smelting area. Significant positive Mn-THg relationship (p < 0.01) and negative Mn-MeHg relationship (p < 0.01) favored the conclusion that soil Mn could promote Hg accumulation while inhibiting MeHg production. Approximately 70% of soil Hg was distributed in the residual phase, and the environmental hazard was not elevated according to a geochemical model. Overall, mining and smelting activities of Mn ores have resulted in obvious and distinct effects on the accumulation and methylation of Hg in farmland soils, but the environmental hazards are currently manageable.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution of Mercury and Methylmercury in Farmland Soils Affected by Manganese Mining and Smelting Activities

Zhang

Wei-bin

Yin

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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Airborne Emissions from Mn Ferroalloy Production

Kero

Eidem

et al. 2018

JOM

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Airborne emissions from metal production represent a health, safety, and environmental challenge to which more and more attention is being directed. Industries worldwide, as well as authorities and others, are resolute in their aim of limiting, reducing, and ultimately eliminating these emissions. Many lessons can be learned by sharing information between industrial branches, as many industries face similar challenges. Certain challenges are, however, highly branch specific. For the Mn ferroalloy industry, such examples include the types of dust generated in the primary processes and the management of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mercury with respect to furnace design and operation. This article covers airborne emissions from manganese ferroalloy production, including greenhouse gases, nitrogen oxides (NO x), sulfurous gases, PAH, airborne particulate matter, and trace elements, including mercury and other heavy metals. The aim is to summarize current knowledge in a state-of-the-art overview intended to introduce fresh industry engineers and academic researchers to the technological aspects relevant to reduction of airborne emissions.

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