Abstract:
The seawater flue gas desulfurization (SFGD) system, as an ideal alternative to traditional limestone-based systems, effectively controls sulfur dioxide (SO
2) emissions from coal-fired flue gas while also suppressing mercury (Hg) emissions. However, the reductive nature of seawater has led to concerns regarding the re-emission of mercury on a global scale. In this study, the aeration process of SFGD wastewater was simulated to investigate the effects of pH, system temperature, and the concentrations of \mathrmSO_3^2- and Cl
− on the re-emission of elemental mercury (Hg
0). The objective of this study was to elucidate the migration and transformation characteristics of mercury in SFGD systems. Furthermore, the study investigated the suppression mechanisms of four additives: two precipitants (Na
2S, an inorganic sulfide, and TMT-15, an organic sulfide) and two oxidants (NaClO and Fenton reagent). The results demonstrated that S(IV) was the primary factor promoting Hg0 re-emission, with over 54% of Hg
2+ being reduced to Hg
0 at an \mathrmSO_3^2- concentration of 0.05 mmol/L. Concurrently, elevated concentrations of Cl
−, low temperatures, and heightened pH levels exhibited a substantial inhibitory effect on Hg
0 re-emission. All four additives effectively inhibited Hg
0 re-emission through different mechanisms. Na
2S and TMT-15 reacted with Hg
2+ in the liquid phase to form water-insoluble precipitates and chelates, thereby preventing reduction to Hg
0. NaClO and Fenton reagent suppressed Hg
0 re-emission by rapidly oxidizing Hg
0 back to Hg
2+ and stabilizing it in the liquid phase. They also inhibited Hg
2+ reduction by oxidizing reductive ions in the solution. At optimal dosages, the suppression efficiencies of Na
2S, TMT-15, NaClO, and Fenton reagent were 78.1%, 79.9%, 84.8%, and 94.2%, respectively. Compared to precipitants, oxidants such as NaClO and Fenton reagent significantly reduced the required aeration intensity, demonstrating excellent potential for application in the aeration processes of SFGD wastewater treatment.