The multilevel cycle of anthropogenic lead: II. Results and discussion

Comprehensive annual cycles for flows of lead in 2000, based on statistical data and incorporating information on lead production, fabrication & manufacture of products, use, and discard management, were characterized at three discrete geographical levels: 52 countries, 8 regions and the world as a whole. Among the most interesting results are the following: (1) worldwide, aboust 3500 Gg Pb was extracted from the lithosphere and around 2840 Gg Pb was discharged into the environmental repositories; (2) about 3500 Gg Pb was recycled in 2000; (3) approximately, 11% of the lead entering the Use phase accumulated as in-use stock; (4) around two-thirds of the lead entering global Waste Management & Recycling was returned to production for recycling, although this ratio varies among regions and countries; (5) lead ore was mainly extracted in Asia, North America and Oceania, and lead products were chiefly used in North America, followed by Europe and Asia; (6) lead emissions mainly occurred in Asia, followed by North America and Europe. These results provide a framework for complementary studies in lead resources, energy use, lead discard management, and environmental implications.