Hg2+ reduction and re-emission from simulated wet flue gas desulfurization liquors

J Hazard Mater. 2009 Dec 30;172(2-3):1106-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.07.103. Epub 2009 Aug 3.

Abstract

In this study, considering that Hg(2+) in wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems can easily be reduced and then released into atmosphere, causing secondary pollution, the researches about Hg(2+) reduction and Hg(0) re-emission mechanism were carried out. The effects of several experimental parameters on the reduction were studied, including initial pH, temperature, and concentrations of Cl(-) and S(IV). Our experimental results indicated that Cl(-) had a restraining effect on the Hg(2+) reduction and Hg(0) re-emission, after 24h reaction, only 20.5% of Hg(2+) was reduced with 100mM Cl(-) in simulated desulfurization solution. Cl(-) can slow Hg(2+) reduction and Hg(0) re-emissions dramatically through changing reaction mechanism, with formation of new intermediate: ClHgSO(3)(-), which can decompose to Hg(0), but much more slowly than Hg(SO(3))(2)(2-) or HgSO(3). Simulating the conditions of the practical application (initial pH 5, T=50 degrees C, S(IV)=5 mM, Cl(-)=100 mM), we also found that Ca(2+), NO(3)(-), F(-), etc. all had obvious effects on reduction rates. Based on the material balance and characteristic of the reactants, the reduction emission mechanism of Hg(2+) has been established, providing theoretical basis for industrial application of mercury control in wet FGD systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / chemistry
  • Air Pollution*
  • Chlorides / chemistry
  • Gases
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Industrial Waste*
  • Mercury / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Reducing Agents
  • Sulfur / chemistry
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Chlorides
  • Gases
  • Industrial Waste
  • Reducing Agents
  • Sulfur
  • Mercury