Virtual atmospheric mercury emission network in China

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Environmental Policy

Background:

• China is the world's largest atmospheric mercury emitter.
• Understanding mercury emission networks is crucial for effective reduction policies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze China's virtual atmospheric mercury emission network.
• To identify key producers and consumers driving mercury emissions.
• To inform targeted policy-making for mercury reduction.

Main Methods:

• Top-down analysis of virtual atmospheric mercury emission networks.
• Identification of key contributing provinces and economic sectors.
• Analysis of interregional embodied atmospheric mercury flows.

Main Results:

• In 2007, China emitted 794.9 tonnes of atmospheric mercury.
• Production-side policies should target specific provinces and sectors (metals, nonmetallic minerals, power).
• Demand-side policies should focus on construction and equipment manufacturing sectors in key provinces.
• Mercury flows generally move from inland to the east coast.

Conclusions:

• Targeted production and demand-side policies are essential for mercury reduction in China.
• Identifying key supply chains aids in tracing policy impacts.
• Virtual emission network analysis provides a framework for efficient environmental policy.