India is among the top global emitters of anthropogenic atmospheric mercury (Hg). Its Hg emissions have been projected to continue increasing in the coming years, contributing a greater share to global emissions. India’s rapid economic development and growing position in the global economy necessitates an assessment of how its Hg emissions are linked to domestic and global supply chains. Existing studies on India’s Hg emissions have focused on direct emissions from sources. However, several studies on China and the global context have emphasized the role of trade as a driver of Hg emissions. In this study, newly constructed national Hg emission inventories for four years (2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014) are linked to a global Environmentally-Extended Multi-Regional Input-Output model in order to identify the consumption-based and income-based drivers of emissions. India's Hg emissions increased from 84 tons in 2004 to 189 tons in 2014. Domestic final demand is found to be the dominant driver of India’s Hg emissions from the demand perspective, driving about 80-85% of the total. Similarly, from the supply perspective, domestic primary inputs are the dominant drivers, however, the share of foreign inputs causing India’s Hg emissions increased from 16% to 23% during 2004-2014. USA, China and UAE were found to be the top foreign consumption-based drivers, whereas top foreign income-based drivers include Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Australia and China. Among economic sectors, the Construction sector is important as a demand-side driver, while sectors related to electricity, use of Hg containing dental amalgam and products, industrial activities, and trade are significant from both perspectives. Fossil fuel sectors are additionally important as supply-side drivers. We find that domestic supply chains must be prioritized for controlling India’s Hg emissions. Nevertheless, opportunities in international collaboration for capacity building and funds transfer must be promptly sought. These findings can guide global and national policies for demand- and supply-side management of India’s Hg emissions. They can assist in the successful implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury in India.

Role of trade in India’s rising atmospheric mercury emissions

ACS Spring 2022

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