Environmental Effects of Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex chlor-alkali uint

Chlor-alkali units using mercury-cells, cause air pollution by mercury emission to the atmosphere, soil pollution with solid waste production, water pollution and aquatic organisms and effluent pollution. Specific standard of mercury in the environment (water, air and soil) has not been published yet. But what is clear is mercury a toxic element and has a high potential for biological accumulation having serious physical problems such as Minamata disease. This paper has investigated mercury emissions from Chlor-alkali units and harmful effects of mercury on the environmental and humans. The method used in paper is survey research method. Chlor-alkali units are types which have done environmental impact assessment before establishment, till their effects of physical, biological and economic and social conditions to be estimated. Chlor-alkali industry is introduced as a major source of mercury release to the environment. For this reason, intergovernmental negotiating committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on mercury 24-28 Jan 2011 which was held in Chiba, Japan, was appointed that all countries with national action plans during a specified time determined action have to change the process of these units. Bandar Imam Petrochemical uses about 30 tons of mercury provided by external sources. The process method of Chlor-Alkali unit of Chlor-Alkali unit of Bandar Imam Petrochemical Complex will change from using mercury to approved membrane. It is estimated that until 1392 the total mercury would be removed from the manufacturing process. Bandar Imam Petrochemical Chlor-alkali unit Measures towards reducing mercury waste have done in this paper to be discussed.