Anthropogenic Emissions of Methane and Nitrous Oxide in the Federal Republic of Germany

Abstract

The anthropogenic emission sources of methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the Federal Republic of Germany were investigated. The object of the recently completed first phase of this research project was to summarize the present knowledge about the emission sources, make a first rough estimate of the emissions, identify the need for further research in the field, and — as far as possible — discuss the existing possibilities to reduce emissions. The main CH₄ emission sources identified are the landfills, stock farming and pit mining, the main N₂O sources are agriculture (including a minor contribution from animal wastes) and the production of adipic acid, the latter possibly being reducible by means of a new catalytic process. The total anthropogenic emissions of CH₄ from Germany are estimated at 5.4–7.7 million tonnes per year, contributing a share of roughly 2% to the world-wide anthropogenic emissions (350 million t/a). Those of N₂O are estimated at 200 000–280 000 tonnes per year (world-wide 1.4–6.5 million t/a).