1Artisanal Gold Mining
Use: Forming amalgam with gold to facilitate the extraction of metallic gold
Distribution: Widely used in small gold mines in Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines, Indonesia, South America, etc.
Problem: Improper operation can easily cause environmental pollution and human poisoning
2. Electronics and lighting
Fluorescent lamps, ultraviolet lamps, mercury switches, barometers, rectifiers, etc.
High-purity mercury (99.999%) is also useful in semiconductor and sensor manufacturing
3. Chemical industry and catalysis
Used in the production of PVC, chlorine alkali, electrolytic chlorine, acetylene catalytic reaction, etc.
4. Medical and experimental
Commonly used in thermometers and sphygmomanometers in the past
Now mainly used for laboratory or research purposes