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Chalmers team develops method to reduce levels of mercury in sulfuric acid

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Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a method that can reduce the levels of mercury in sulfuric acid by more than 90%, even from low levels. It is therefore a worldwide challenge that sulfuric acid often contains one of the most toxic substances: mercury.

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New analysis finds Asia produces twice as much mercury emissions as previously thought

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New analysis by an international team led by MIT researchers shows that Asia now releases a surprisingly large amount of anthropogenic mercury. The new analysis provides more accurate estimates of sources of mercury emissions around the world. The team’s top-down analysis improves on other models that take a bottom-up approach.

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Biden Administration puts 20-year ban on mining in 225k acres in northeastern Minnesota; huge blow to Twin Metals copper project

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The Forest Service’s Northern Research Station has begun research activities, funded by current appropriations, directed to further mercury-sulfur interaction research and mitigation to lessen the health impacts of mercury by interrupting the biochemical process between sulfur and mercury.

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EPA proposes rules for chemicals and fuels made from plastic waste-based feedstocks

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The plastic-based feedstocks used to make these fuels were reviewed and approved by EPA in 2015 and 2019. However, EPA knew less about impurities that may be included in plastic-based feedstocks in 2015 and 2019 than it does today.

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Texas utility signs first US Power Purchase Agreement for low-emissions electricity from commercial-scale coal-fired power plant with carbon capture

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The 400-MW TCEP plant is an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) poly-generation facility capable of capturing 90% of the carbon dioxide it produces, as well as 99% of sulfur dioxide, 90% of nitrogen oxide, and 99% of mercury. The facility is expected to be fully operational in 2015.

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Indiana U study suggests cost-effectiveness of EPA air quality regs more uncertain than commonly believed

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The bulk of these regulations require national emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants; analysis includes the Mercury and Air Toxic Standards and the Cross State Air Pollution Rule. Graham (2015) “Uncertainty in the Cost-Effectiveness of Federal Air Quality Regulations” Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis 6, pp 66-111 doi: 10.1017/bca.2015.7.

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EPA proposes rule for nationwide 30% cut in GHG from existing power plants by 2030 relative to 2005

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In 2020, EPA projects a 20% to 23% reduction of SO 2 ; 22% to 24% reduction of NO x ; and a 15% to 18% reduction of mercury, under the proposed Option 1 illustrative scenarios. mercury and hydrogen chloride), as well as ecosystem effects and visibility impairment. Based on this input, EPA will finalize the standards in June 2015.

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