Stable isotopic signatures of methane from waste sources through atmospheric measurements. (1st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bakkaloglu, Semra; Lowry, Dave; Fisher, Rebecca E.; Menoud, Malika; Lanoisellé, Mathias; Chen, Huilin; Röckmann, Thomas; Nisbet, Euan G.
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 276(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-01
• Subjects: Carbon isotopes -- Deuterium -- Waste isotopic signature -- Methane emissions -- Greenhouse gas emissions; BCES Bivariate correlated errors and intrinsic scatter -- CH4 Methane -- C2H6 Ethane -- CO2 Carbon dioxide -- CRDS Cavity ring-down spectroscopy -- GC-IRMS Gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry -- GHG Greenhouse gas -- GPS Global positioning system -- H2S Hydrogen sulfide -- IMAU Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht -- INSTAAR Institute of Arctic & Alpine Research -- MWe Megawatt electric -- MSW Municipal solid waste -- NAEI National Atmospheric Emission Inventory -- NL Netherlands -- NH3 Ammonia -- QGIS Quantum Geographic Information System -- TR Turkey -- UK United Kingdom -- UMEA Ultraportable Methane-Ethane Analyser -- VPDB Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite -- VSMOW Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water -- WMO World Meterological Organization -- δ13C-CH4 Carbon isotopic signature of methane -- δ2H-CH4 Hydrogen isotopic signature of methane; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2022.119021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to characterize the carbon isotopic signatures ( δ 13 C-CH4 ) of several methane waste sources, predominantly in the UK, and during field campaigns in the Netherlands and Turkey. CH4 plumes emitted from waste sources were detected during mobile surveys using a cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) analyser. Air samples were collected in the plumes for subsequent isotope analysis by gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) to characterize δ 13 C-CH4 . The isotopic signatures were determined through a Keeling plot approach and the bivariate correlated errors and intrinsic scatter (BCES) fitting method. The δ 13 C-CH4 and δ 2 H-CH4 signatures were identified from biogas plants (−54.6 ± 5.6‰, n = 34; −314.4 ± 23‰ n = 3), landfills (−56.8 ± 2.3‰, n = 43; −268.2 ± 2.1‰, n = 2), sewage treatment plants (−51.6 ± 2.2‰, n = 15; −303.9 ± 22‰, n = 6), composting facilities (−54.7 ± 3.9‰, n = 6), a landfill leachate treatment plant (−57.1 ± 1.8‰, n = 2), one water treatment plant (−53.7 ± 0.1‰) and a waste recycling facility (−53.2 ± 0.2‰). The overall signature of 71 waste sources ranged from −64.4 to −44.3‰, with an average of −55.1 ± 4.1‰ (n = 102) for δ 13 C, −341 to −267‰, with an average of −300.3 ± 25‰ (n = 11) for δ 2 H, which can be distinguished from other source types in the UK such as gas leaks and ruminants. The study also demonstrates that δ 2 H-CH4 signatures, in addition to δ 13 C-CH4, can aid in better waste source apportionment and increase the granularity of isotope data required to improve regional modelling. Highlights: Isotopic 13 C signatures from 71 waste sources in UK, NL and TR determined. Feedstock types have an impact on carbon isotopic signature of generated biogas. Open and active landfill status has a great impact on carbon isotopic signature. Sewage treatment is more enriched in 13 C than from other waste sources. Average δ 13 C isotopic signature of waste sources is −55.1 ± 4.1‰.