Lead anthropogenic transfer and transformation in China

Information on lead redistribution and speciation changes in anthrosphere can help to analyze the whole lead cycle on the earth. Lead life cycle was traced based on the concepts of anthropogenic transfer and transformation. Lead transfer and the distribution of chemical species throughout the anthropogenic flow were identified in 2010 in China. The results show that 1.85 Mt lead ore was consumed (besides 1.287 Mt imported concentrated ore and 1.39 Mt lead scraps. After undergoing transformations, 3.53 Mt lead entered end services in chemical species of Pb, PbO2 and PbSO4, altogether accounting for over 80% of the total lead products. Finally, 2.10 Mt ore was emitted into the environment in such species as PbSO4 (26%), PbO (19%) and Pb (15%). Lead transfer begins in primary raw material sectors, and then transfers to manufacturing sectors. Lead provides services mainly in such industrial sectors as transportation, electrical power and buildings or construction.