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Mapping Methane and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and δ13C Values in the Atmosphere of Two Australian Coal Seam Gas Fields

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Abstract

Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from unconventional gas extraction processes (e.g. shale gas, tight gas and coal bed methane/coal seam gas) are poorly understood due in part to the extensive area over which these emissions may occur. We apply a rapid qualitative approach for source assessment at the scale of a large gas field. A mobile cavity ring down spectrometer (Picarro G2201-i) was used to provide real-time, high-precision methane and carbon dioxide concentration and carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), allowing for “on the fly” decision making and therefore an efficient and dynamic surveying approach. The system was used to map the atmosphere of a production coal seam gas (CSG) field (Tara region, Australia), an area containing pre-production “exploration” CSG wells (Casino, Australia), and various other potential CO2 and CH4 sources (i.e. wetlands, sewage treatment plants, landfills, urban areas and bushfires). Results showed a widespread enrichment of both CH4 (up to 6.89 ppm) and CO2 (up to 541 ppm) within the production gas field, compared to outside. The CH4 and CO2 δ13C source values showed distinct differences within and outside the production field, indicating a CH4 source within the production field that has a δ13C signature comparable to the regional CSG. While this study demonstrates how the method can be used to qualitatively assess the location and source of emissions, integration with atmospheric models may allow for quantitative assessment of emissions. The distinct patterns observed within the CSG field demonstrates the need to fully quantify the atmospheric flux of natural and anthropogenic, point and diffuse sources of greenhouse gases from individual Australian gas fields before and after production commences.

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Acknowledgments

The instrumentation used in this study was funded by the Australian Research Council (LE120100156). DTM is supported by an S.C.U. Postdoctoral Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia

    Damien T. Maher, Isaac R. Santos & Douglas R. Tait

Authors
  1. Damien T. Maher
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  2. Isaac R. Santos
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  3. Douglas R. Tait
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Correspondence to Damien T. Maher.

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Maher, D.T., Santos, I.R. & Tait, D.R. Mapping Methane and Carbon Dioxide Concentrations and δ13C Values in the Atmosphere of Two Australian Coal Seam Gas Fields. Water Air Soil Pollut 225, 2216 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-014-2216-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-014-2216-2

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