Simple, inexpensive modifications could have important implications for the environment by drastically reducing mercury emissions from coal-fired boilers, according to recent research. The findings, from the Energy Research Centre (ERC) of Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, could cut flue-gas treatment costs at coal-fired power stations. This is good news for countries such as China which, with the fastest-growing electricity generating market in the world, is almost totally dependent on coal. Coal-fired power stations are one of the largest single sources of mercury emissions. It is generally emitted as a vapour, and if it enters the atmosphere, can fall to Earth as rain. Mercury is a neurotoxin, and once it enters the body of a living organism, it accumulates. If it enters the food chain, for example if it is ingested by fish, it can be dangerous to humans.
展开▼
