Abstract

Coal fired thermal power plants (TPPs) are the second largest source of mercury emission in India. Almost 73% of energy is obtained from TPP which uses about 220 millions tonnes coal/year. Coal contains mercury (Hg) naturally and its combustion in the boilers to generate electricity causes release of mercury in to the environment. A typical 100 mw TPP can emit over 10kg of mercury in a single year. Once Hg reaches to the environment it never breaks down and persists in the environment, cycling through land, air and water. Low level exposure of Hg may cause permanent damage to the central nervous system (CNS). At higher levels, Hg can damage vital organs such as lungs and kidneys.Mercury has been the focus of regulatory activity because of its documented toxic and carcinogenic effects, as well as its persistent prevalence in the environment. Since mercury is volatile and readily mobilized, and often travels great distances before being deposited, regulatory concern about the environmental impacts of mercury appear to be quite justified.

Keywords mercury, legislation, coal, Thermal power Plant. Introduction