International and national legislation is increasingly being applied to trace element emissions. This report reviews this legislation. It indicates trends in emissions which have decreased for a variety of reasons in many developed countries. However, continued use of coal and more successful control strategies in other sectors mean that coal combustion is still a relatively important source of some trace elements, especially mercury. One of the major impediments to understanding trace elements in coal combustion systems is the area of sampling and analysis. This report reviews the methods currently in use and discusses their limitations. Existing pollution control equipment for other emissions is also effective in reducing most trace element emissions. However, the more volatile trace elements are captured to a much lower extent in coal-fired power stations. These species are still relatively poorly understood and this is reflected in the confusion over the best approach to control emissions. Proposed methods to control emissions of specific trace elements, notably mercury, are reviewed.
Title: Trace element emissions, CCC/34
Author(s): Dr Lesley Sloss, Irene Smith
Reference: CCC/34
ISBN: ISBN: 92-9029-344-6
Publication Date: 01/06/2000
Pages: 83
Figures: 29
Tables: 42
