Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life
15th Edition
ISBN: 9780357093795
Author: STARR
Publisher: CENGAGE LEARNING (CUSTOM)
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 2, Problem 1DAA

Mercury Emissions by Continent By weight, coal does not contain much mercury, but we burn a lot of it. Several industries besides coal-fired power plants contribute substantially to atmospheric mercury pollution. FIGURE 2.13 shows mercury emissions by industry from different regions of the world in 2010.

Chapter 2, Problem 1DAA, Mercury Emissions by Continent By weight, coal does not contain much mercury, but we burn a lot of

FIGURE 2.13 Global mercury emissions by sector, 2010.

About how many metric tons of mercury were released in total from these regions?

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To determine: The total metric tons of mercury released from the regions given in the Fig. 2.13.

Introduction: Mercury is a toxic element and is naturally found in water, air, and soil. It is released in the environment through weathering of rocks, volcanic activity, and human activity. Human activity is mainly responsible for the mercury releases especially burning of coal in the coal-fired power stations, domestic uses, waste incinerators, industries, and mining of metals.

Explanation of Solution

As given in the problem statement, various industries besides coal-fired power plants contribute to mercury pollution in the atmosphere. Refer Fig. 2.13, “Global mercury emissions by sector, 2010” in the textbook. The graphical representation shows mercury emission (metric tons) by industries from different continents of the world in 2010. The data were reported from seven continents including Asia, Africa, Russia, Europe, North America, Middle East, and South and Central America. The mercury emissions released from various sectors included waste from consumer products, oil refining, cremation, waste incineration, mining, fossil fuel combustion, chlorine, cement, and metal production. On the basis of the data given in Fig. 2.13, Asia has the maximum mercury emissions reported as approximately 1100 metric tons. The approximate amount of mercury released by each continent is as follows:

  • Asia – 1100 metric tons
  • Africa – 380 metric tons
  • South and Central America – 350 metric tons
  • Europe – 180 metric tons
  • North America – 80 metric tons
  • Russia – 60 metric tons
  • Middle East – 40 metric tons

By summing up the amount of mercury emissions from the seven continents, the total amount of mercury released (metric tons) comes to approximately 2200 metric tons.

Conclusion

The total mercury released by industry from different regions of the world in 2010 was 2200 metric tons.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
When taking vitamins and vitamin-mineral supplements, how can one be sure they are getting what they are taking?
How many milligrams of zinc did you consume on average per day over the 3 days? (See the Actual Intakes vs. Recommended Intakes Report with all days checked.) Enter the number of milligrams of zinc rounded to the first decimal place in the box below.   ______ mg ?
the direct output from molecular replacement is a coordinate file showing the orientation of the unknown target protein in the unit cell. true or false?
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781337408332
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:9781305577206
Author:Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Aquaculture Science
Biology
ISBN:9781133558347
Author:Parker
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781305073951
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Air Pollution for Kids | Learn about the Causes and Effects of Air Pollution; Author: Learn Bright;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjtgu2CxtEk;License: Standard Youtube License