Estimating chemical footprint: Contamination with mercury and its compounds

Natalia Tarasova, Anna Makarova*, Peter Fantke, Pavel Shlyakhov

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalConference articleResearchpeer-review

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    Abstract

    Chemical pollution is a problem of global importance. However, there are currently no agreed approaches for integrated environmental impact assessment (EIA) of chemical effects at global scale. We present a new systems-based approach to EIA of chemicals. Our methodology considers propagation of chemical pollutants in the environment, in conjunction with the approach followed in the Russian regulatory system. To estimate chemical footprints related to environmental contamination by potentially toxic substances, measured environmental concentrations were combined with results from the UNEP-SETAC scientific consensus model USEtox, which is recommended for and widely applied in life cycle impact assessment. Our approach was tested using the example of mercury, which has been shown to be a hazardous pollutant at regional and global scales. Results show that the main contribution to the overall chemical footprint of mercury and its compounds is related to releases into aqueous bodies from human activities. Estimations of Maximum Available Concentration overrun show that calculated and experimental data agree to a good extent, particularly for mercury contamination in freshwater bodies. Discrepancies between calculated and actual data are mainly due to extrapolated data used for model validation, averaged data applied to entire Russian Federation districts, the omission of industrial soil as a separate model compartment, and not accounting for cumulative damage from emissions in previous years. These aspects will inform future efforts to refine the methodology. The results of this study were presented to the Ministry of the Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. It is planned to use these results as one basis for prioritizing action on sources of environmental mercury contamination and as a benchmark for minimizing such impacts.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalPure and Applied Chemistry
    Volume90
    Issue number5
    Pages (from-to)857-868
    Number of pages12
    ISSN0033-4545
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018
    Event8th International IUPAC Symposium on Macro- and Supramolecular Architectures and Materials: Multifunctional Materials and Structures - Sochi, Russian Federation
    Duration: 6 Jun 201710 Jun 2017
    Conference number: 8

    Conference

    Conference8th International IUPAC Symposium on Macro- and Supramolecular Architectures and Materials
    Number8
    Country/TerritoryRussian Federation
    CitySochi
    Period06/06/201710/06/2017

    Keywords

    • Chemical footprint
    • Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
    • MAM-17
    • Mercury
    • Planetary boundaries
    • Systems approach

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