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NRMRL-RTP-221 Wilhelm, S.M. Mercury in Petroleum and Natural Gas: Estimation of Emissions from Production Processing, and Combustion. 07/19/2001 The report gives results of an examination of mercury (Hg) in liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons that are produced and/or processed in the U.S. The Hg associated with petroleum and natural gas production and processing enters the environment primarily via solid waste streams (drilling and refinery waste) and the combustion of fuels. In total, the amount exceeds 10,000 kg yearly, but present estimates are uncertain due to lack of statistical data. The amounts in solid wastes and atmospheric emissions from combustion are estimated to be roughly equal. Solid waste streams likely contain a much higher fraction of mercuric sulfides or other insoluble compounds than water- soluble species; thus, the bioavailability of Hg from this category is much more limited than that which derives from combustion. The report should help identify Hg-related areas that require additional research, especially the needs associated with measuring the concentrations of the various chemical species of Hg in the various feedstocks and waste streams associated with the oil and gas industry. Additional information is necessary if the magnitudes of Hg emissions associated with U.S. petroleum and natural gas are to be estimated accurately.

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