EPA Findings on Mercury Emission Studies

In response to growing environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted extensive studies to evaluate the hazards of power-plant emissions. These studies identified coal-fired power plants as the largest human-made source of mercury pollution in the United States, emitting an estimated 43 tons annually.

Once emitted into the air, mercury can be deposited into water bodies and transformed by biological processes into methylmercury—a highly toxic form that accumulates in animal and human tissues. This bioaccumulation poses a significant risk to human health, particularly through the consumption of contaminated fish.

To address these risks, the EPA has moved toward stricter mandates for mercury emission controls. For industry, this transition requires intense analysis of raw materials to classify them by mercury levels. The LECO AMA254 Advanced Mercury Analyzer is designed to meet these challenges, providing accurate determination of trace mercury in compliance with EPA Method 7343 and ASTM standards. By utilizing thermal decomposition and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the AMA254 offers a rapid, reliable solution for monitoring mercury levels at the front end of the combustion process.