Technical Background Report for the Global Mercury Assessment 2013

This new report provides best available data on mercury atmospheric emissions and trends including where possible an analysis by country, region and sector, including a consideration of factors driving such trends and applicable regulatory mechanisms. Included are current results from modelling on a global scale and from other information sources on the contribution of regional emissions to deposition which may result in adverse effects and the potential benefits from reducing such emissions, taking into account the efforts of the Fate and Transport partnership established under the United Nations Environment Programme mercury programme. The main focus of this report is on mercury (Hg) emissions to the air and pathways and fate of atmospheric Hg. It includes information on Hg releases to water and pathways and fate in aquatic environments.