Institute for Ocean Management (IOM), Anna University has found that gaseous mercury levels in Chennai ranges between 3.5 nano gram/m3 to 8.5 nano gram/m3.
Global average of gaseous mercury in atmosphere is 1.5 nano gram/m3.
Apart from industrial pollution, proximity to the sea, which is a huge natural reserve of mercury, is suspected to be reason for high concentration of gaseous mercury in the city’s air.
Pollution levels are high between 3 AM and 8 AM and high in summer season than winter.