Evolution of mercury contamination in Brazil

This papa reviews the history of Hg contamination in Brazil by characterizing and quantifying two major sources of Hg emissions to the environment: industrial sources and gold mining. Industry was responsible for nearly 100% of total Hg emissions from the late 1940's to the early 1970's when efficient control policies were enforced leading to a decrease in emissions. Gold mining, on the other hand was nearly insignificant as a Hg sauce up to the late 1970's but is presently responsible for over 80% of total emissions. Presently, over 210 t of Hg are released into the environment in Brazil annually. Nearly 170 t cane from gold mining operations 17 t come from chlor-alkali industry and 10 t come from all other industrial user Emissions to the atmosphere are the major pathway of Hg releases to the environment and reach over 160 t.yr(-1) with approximately 136 t.yr(-1) from gold mining.