Heavy Metal Contamination on European and Hemispherical Scale

EMEP Status Report 3/2002

I.Ilyin, A.Ryaboshapko, O.Travnikov

ABSTRACT

This report briefly outlines available emission and monitoring data, provides estimates of pollution levels and describes the progress in the hemispheric modelling.

The simulation of the long-range transport of heavy metals is performed with the use of official data submitted by countries to the UN ECE Secretariat and expert estimates. For the most part emission spatial distribution is based on expert estimates. Modelling results indicate that in comparison with 1999 lead, cadmium and mercury depositions to European countries in 2000 declined in proportion with national emission changes. As a result the transboundary transport between European countries has also decreased. Depositions from essential countries-emitters and from national sources were identified for each country. Contributions from natural, secondary anthropogenic and remote (located outside the EMEP grid) sources were set off. The pollution of seas surrounding Europe via the atmosphere was estimated.

Further development and improvement of the operational model for calculations of heavy metal (HM) transport and deposition is still underway. In accordance with the request of the Coordination Center for Effects of the Working Group on Effects (CCE) the model was updated for preliminary calculations of deposition depending on the underlying surface type.

The atmospheric module describing transport, transformation and deposition of mercury in the Northern Hemisphere has been devised. The regional scheme of mercury transformations in the atmosphere was adapted for the hemispheric model. Input data required for hemispheric simulation (anthropogenic emission, meteorological information, air concentrations of reagents etc.) have been prepared. Mercury natural emission has been parametrized in detail. Hemispheric modelling results were compared with available measurement data and with results of the regional model. First attempt to evaluate the intercontinental mercury transport has been made. Provisional estimates indicate that more than 40% of total mercury depositions to Europe accounts for anthropogenic and natural sources located outside the EMEP domain. Particular emphasis has been placed on the investigation of mercury deposition to the Arctic region.

The report describes lines and results of the EMEP Centres cooperation with subsidiary bodies of the Convention, international organizations and national experts. It is worth mentioning the preparation of CCE/MSC-E joint report on the development of HM critical load approach.