8 The majority of atmospheric mercury is produced by A medical waste incinerators B volatilization of lead-based paint C coal-burning power plants D runoff from thermometer factories E municipal waste incinerators (1) Mark for Review

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the primary source of atmospheric mercury. The options provided are:<br />A. Medical waste incinerators<br />B. Volatilization of lead-based paint<br />C. Coal-burning power plants<br />D. Runoff from thermometer factories<br />E. Municipal waste incinerators<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to consider each option and determine which one is the most significant contributor to atmospheric mercury.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Medical waste incinerators, volatilization of lead-based paint, runoff from thermometer factories, and municipal waste incinerators do contribute to atmospheric mercury, but their contributions are relatively minor compared to coal-burning power plants.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Coal-burning power plants are a major source of atmospheric mercury because coal often contains trace amounts of mercury. When coal is burned, the mercury is released into the atmosphere.