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The mercury element is one of the primordial metals known to man. It has several classifications based on state and occurrence.
Liquid Mercury
Among its unique features, liquid mercury stands out as the only metal that exists naturally in liquid form at room temperature. It is dense and has a high shine. This makes it look very attractive when displayed in a glass container. Users exploit liquid mercury in thermometers, barometers, and scientific apparatus due to its expanding properties when heated.
Solid Mercury
Though predominantly liquid, mercury can be solidified at low temperatures (−38.83 °C or −37.889 °F). In its solid form, it becomes a hard and brittle substance. Although this is a possibility, it is rarely utilized in this form in most industries and applications.
Native Mercury
This occurs in rare cases within the earth’s crust. It is often delineated as inclusions in mineral veins. A prime example of native mercury is in the mineral Cinnabar. Cinnabar ore comprises mostly red mercury sulfide (HgS). Small particles of native mercury may occasionally be found alongside larger Cinnabar deposits within the same geologic substrate.
Mineral Mercury
Similar to native mercury, mineral mercury occurs intertwined with different sulfide minerals. The most common source is mercury-rich ore, Cinnabar. Other sulfide minerals containing mercury include metacinnabar and thalmannite. Some sulfide minerals and even non-sulfide minerals may also have minor mercury content.
Mercury has found application in thermometers and sphygmomanometers, even with its slowly diminishing role. In these devices, liquid mercury serves as the phase change material that can measure and capture temperature and blood pressure respectively. Inhibition of or failure to replace mercury in these health devices would result in exorbitant errors in emerging areas of medicine. Thus, transforming this industry into a major user of mercury.
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is a significant global source of gold production, especially in developing regions. Mercury is used to amalgamate gold with smaller particles to extract it from ore in this industry. Though very effective, the process results in mercury pollution of communities that depend on the mine for income.
Mercury, being a highly versatile element, readily finds its way into analytical laboratories. In this industry, it is mainly prized for certain chemical experimentation and analytical processes. For instance, it is used in measured tinctures (solutions in mercury) of pharmacopeial acids in titration. It also finds usage in the method referred to as cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry (CVAAS) that measures the concentration of the element.
Owing to its conductivity, mercury is used in electrical devices such as switches and rectifiers. It acts as a liquid conductor that can complete circuits in devices that require compact mechanical design.
Mercury is involved in various industrial processes, including the production of chlorine and caustic soda through the mercury cell process. Though alternatives seizing the process are available, the element is still frequently employed due to its efficiency.
Methyl mercury, a highly toxic organic compound derived from mercury, can pose serious threats to human health and agriculture. Its impact on agricultural systems comes from its ability to contaminate water used for irrigation. It can bioaccumulate in fish or other animals consumed by predators, including humans, causing mercury to enter the food system. Furthermore, some historical agricultural practices, such as using mercury-based pesticides or fertilizers, contributed to soil and plant contamination. Thus, affected agriculture systems enter almost every industry as they are part of the global interconnectivity of food chains and economic systems.
Mentioned below are some of the specifications and features of the mercury element.
This element has the following key specifications:
Preparation
The site should be thoroughly assessed for feasibility before proceeding with mercury metal installation. This includes identifying the existing equipment and any necessary system upgrades. Users should remember to carry out a risk assessment and look out for potential hazards. Some of them include high temperatures and pressure.
Mounting the Mixer
Users should mount the mixer firmly on the base plate. It should be stable enough to minimize vibration.
Vessel Installation
The mixing vessel should be installed at the right height and securely attached to the base. Ensure the vessel properly interfaces with the mixer and other installed components.
Mechanical Assembly
Combine the elements that make up the mercury mixer. They include the mercury element, the mixer blade, and the motor. Ensure all mechanical connections are tight to prevent slippage.
Electrical Connection
Connect the mixer to the electrical supply. Let it be connected by a qualified professional. A professional will ensure that grounding and protective devices are executed and dodge the connection to an incorrect voltage.
Taking Precautions
In cases of working with mercury or any mercury compounds, it is crucial to follow safety protocols. This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), working in well-ventilated areas, and properly disposing of mercury waste.
Regular Inspections
To ensure the longevity of any apparatus that contains mercury, conduct regular inspections. Check for wear, corrosion, or any signs of leakage. Daily visual examination should be carried out while a more in-depth quarterly examination is recommended.
Leakage Detection
Live mercury poses a serious risk to health and should be cleaned immediately upon detection. If there are any visible spills or breaks, evacuate the area immediately, seal off the affected area, and notify emergency services.
Emergency Protocols
Have clear and concise emergency responses with well-visible mercury spill kits. Mercury is highly toxic, and proper decontamination procedures must be in place. All personnel should be aware of the location of spill kits and emergency evacuation procedures.
Proper Waste Disposal
Among the most hazardous wastes in analytical laboratories, mercury waste requires proper disposal procedures. Adherence to local regulations as well as national hazardous waste disposal guidelines is indispensable.
Mined mercury should contain no less than 99.9% mercury. On the other hand, recycled mercury must meet the same purity standard as the virgin source. Spilled or released mercury contaminated by other toxic elements like lead must have all its impurities removed.
The element's sustainability practices consider the environmental impact and worker safety during its extraction, use, and disposal processes. These practices are aimed at reducing the element's negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. Some of these practices include:
Mercury is one of the most toxic elements with various adverse health effects. These effects include neurological damage and respiratory issues. This necessitates proper handling, storage, and transportation to mitigate these effects by adhering to the following guidelines:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers should always be in gloves, masks, goggles, and lab coats when handling mercury. This is to minimize mercury exposure and prevent absorption through the skin, inhalation, or eye contact.
Emergency Procedures
Identify first-aid measures for mercury exposure and decontamination procedures in advance. Have emergency contacts readily available.
Spill Containment
Mercury spills should be contained immediately using appropriate spill kits. Personnel should be trained on how to manage mercury spills safely and efficiently.
