Methods and apparatus utilizing hydrogen peroxide are useful to reduce SOx
and mercury (or other heavy metal) emissions from combustion flue gas
streams. The methods and apparatus may further be modified to reduce NOx
emissions. Continuous concentration of hydrogen peroxide to levels
approaching or exceeding propellant-grade hydrogen peroxide facilitates
increased system efficiency. In this manner, combustion flue gas streams
can be treated for the removal of SOx and heavy metals, while isolating
useful by-products streams of sulfuric acid as well as solids for the
recovery of the heavy metals. Where removal of NOx emissions is included,
nitric acid may also be isolated for use in fertilizer or other
industrial applications.