"Historically lax" regulations around pollution control have led to much higher levels of mercury emission from coal-fired power stations in Victoria, according to a new study from The Australian National University (ANU). 

The study compared mercury levels in sediment from lakes close to power stations in the Victoria's Latrobe Valley and the NSW Hunter Valley.  

According to lead author Dr Larissa Schneider, there was a stark difference. 

"New South Wales and Victoria have historically had very different regulatory approaches. Victorian power stations have used "dirtier" coal - or coal with a higher mercury concentration - and had less efficient pollution control devices," she said.  

Read the full article on the ANU Media website, featuring Dr Larissa Schneider