Mercury exists in nature in different forms, the details of which are as follows:
1. Mercury is unevenly distributed on the Earth's surface. Most of the mercury exists in the lithosphere of the earth's crust, where it is especially dominated by the form of cinnabar (HgS), which is a common mineral. The formation of cinnabar is mainly related to the geological environment of high temperature and pressure, and is commonly found in volcanic and metamorphic rocks.
2. The distribution of mercury in the ocean is also very important. Although the concentration of mercury in seawater is relatively low, the oceans, as the largest body of water on Earth, have an important influence on the global cycle of mercury. The distribution of mercury in the oceans is influenced by many factors, including the depth, temperature, salinity, and activity of marine organisms.
3. Mercury in the atmosphere mainly comes from natural and anthropogenic sources. Natural sources mainly include volcanic activities, forest fires and biogeochemical processes of microorganisms. Anthropogenic sources include industrial production, coal combustion and non-ferrous metal smelting. In the atmosphere, mercury can enter soil and water bodies through dry and wet deposition, thus affecting the ecosystems on earth.
4. In view of the potential hazards of mercury and its pollution of the environment, the international community is taking measures to reduce the use and release of mercury. For example, some countries have banned the use of mercury-containing thermometers and sphygmomanometers and have restricted the use of mercury in specific areas. In addition, a number of international organizations and scientific research institutions are conducting research and developing new technologies and methods to reduce reliance on and emissions of mercury.
Significance of Mercury
1. In the field of medicine, mercury is widely used to make medical devices such as thermometers, sphygmomanometers, electrocardiographs and so on. In addition, mercury is also used to make some specific drugs and vaccines. However, due to the potential neurotoxicity of mercury, the medical field is gradually reducing its reliance on mercury.
2. Industrial field: In the industrial field, mercury is used to make some specific chemical reagents and materials, such as mercuric chloride and mercuric oxide. In addition, mercury is used in the manufacture of lighting devices (such as fluorescent lamps) and electronic devices (such as switches and connectors).
3. Scientific research: In the field of scientific research, mercury is used in various experiments and researches, such as quantum mechanics, atomic physics, chemical reaction kinetics. In addition, mercury is also used in biology and earth science research.