Mercury speciation and emission from municipal solid waste incinerators in the Pearl River Delta, South China

► Mercury in the flue gas was measured for 8 municipal waste incinerators in China. ► Mercury concentration in flue gas differed as a function of incineration method. ► Gaseous oxidized mercury was the dominant form released. ► Air pollution control devices are important for reducing mercury emissions. ► Total emissions will increase as the amount of waste incinerated in China increases.