SOURCES OF MERCURY IN THE ARCTIC

Global and regional emission inventories of mercury are reviewed with special emphasis on the source regions with potential impact on the Ar ctic environment. These sources are located mostly in Eurasia and Nort h America and emit almost 1300 t of Hg to the air annually. Combustion of fossil fuels to produce electricity and heat is the major source o f Hg. Major portion of the element emissions from this source is in a gaseous phase. A small portion of Hg emissions in Eurasia and North Am erica is deposited in the Arctic region, perhaps 60 to 80 t annually. Additional amounts of Hg in the Arctic air originate from natural sour ces, although it is very difficult to quantify them. A small decrease of anthropogenic Hg emissions is observed in Europe at present. These emissions are expected to increase again in the near future.