The zinc industry has supported numerous studies in aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric systems to further the understanding of the natural variations of zinc in the environment. Consideration of background zinc concentrations has assisted environmental risk assessment efforts by providing a context for biological acclimation and adaptation.
Zinc Emissions to the Environment Sea salt and the movement of soil dust particles in the air are the principal sources of natural zinc emissions in the atmosphere. Forest fires and volcanoes also contribute in a minor way to zinc’s natural cycling. It is estimated that these natural emissions of zinc amount to 5.9 million metric tonnes each year.
By comparison, anthropogenic emissions of zinc to the atmosphere – those that result from man’s activities, such as metal production, waste disposal and fossil fuel combustion – are estimated at only 57,000 metric tonnes each year. For more information, please visit http://www.zinc.org/sustainability.