EU_FIN_MercOx_FS_Metrology for Oxidised Mercury (DTA.AD001.187)

Thematic area

Earth system science and environmental technologies

Project area

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute of Atmospheric pollution Research (IIA)

Project manager

FRANCESCA SPROVIERI
Phone number: 0984493158
Email: f.sprovieri@iia.cnr.it

Abstract

The overall goal of this project is to develop SI traceable measurements, for the monitoring and control of mercury (Hg) and its different species in gas emission sources and in the atmosphere. In this way, the project will achieve significant improvements in the measurement comparability and uncertainty of Hg measurement results. Currently, traceable calibration methods only exist for elemental mercury (Hg(0)), however such measurements are also needed for oxidised Hg species i.e. Hg(II) in order to meet the requirements of EU regulation and the implementation of the Minamata Convention. Therefore, to address this, this project aims to validate and develop traceable oxidised Hg standards and methods for sampling and analysing oxidised Hg species in flue gas emissions and in the atmosphere.

Goals

The overall goal of this project is to develop traceable on-line measurement procedures, for the monitoring and control of Hg in gas emission sources and in the atmosphere, in its various species, in order to improve the measurement comparability and uncertainty of Hg measurements. The project's specific objectives are: 1.To develop, establish and implement a traceable calibration methodology for the most important oxidised mercury (Hg) species, especially for mercury chloride (HgCl2). 2.To develop and compare different methods of measuring oxidised Hg and to accurately compare total mercury (Hgtot) concentrations in generated standard gases for elemental mercury Hg(0) and oxidised mercury (Hg(II)); 3.To develop optimised sampling methods for gaseous Hg species using traceable reference standards for Hg(0) and Hg(II);4.To test and validate new and existing methods for on-line Hg measurement under field conditions using the developed gas standards or generators; 5.To facilitate the take up of the technology and measurement infrastructure developed in the project across the measurement supply chain, standards developing organisations, and end users.

Start date of activity

01/10/2017

Keywords

mercury, oxidzed species, Minamata Convention

Last update: 09/06/2025