The history of mercury emissions from fuel combustion in Maritime Canada

In this study, we present an inventory of historical emissions of mercury r esulting from combustion of wood, coal and refined petroleum products in Ma ritime Canada. The pattern of emissions illustrates the strong influences o f population growth, industrial development and prevailing fuel preferences in the region. According to our calculations, anthropogenic mercury releas es from fuel combustion in Maritime Canada have cumulatively totaled more t han 50 tonnes since 1800. We have compiled both high and low estimates of a nnual mercury releases in this region. Mercury emissions from fuel combusti on in Maritime Canada reached a maximum level in the 1940s. At this time, e missions were between 778 (low) and 1494 thigh) kg per year, coinciding wit h the period of most intensive coal use in Maritime Canada. In 1995, emissi ons were similar to 54% of the level reached in 1940, at 427 (low)-800 thig h) kg per year. In presenting this emissions inventory, we hope to refine p ast estimates with current information on the mercury content of different fuel types, and create a comprehensive database on how mercury emissions fr om various sources have changed over time. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. A ll rights reserved.