| Abstract Title: | Mobile Plume Mapping and Isotopic Measurment of Anthropogenic Methane Sources of Kuwait |
| Abstract Type: | Poster |
| Session Choice: | Current capabilities and case studies |
| Presenter Name: | Ms Aalia Alshalan |
| Co-authors: | Dr Daved Lowry Dr Rebecca Fisher Dr Giuilia Zazzeri Prof Mohhamad AL-Sarawi Dr Euan Nisbet |
| Company/Organisation: | Royal Holloway University of London |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
Abstract Information :
Inventories suggest that the dominant sources of methane in Kuwait are leaks from gas flaring and distribution (≈75%) and landfills (≈25%), but there are likely to be additional smaller emissions from sewage (wastewater) treatment and ruminant animals. Sources responsible for methane plumes can be identified from their carbon isotopic signatures. Each source type is characterised by distinct ratios of 13C to 12C.
The Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) mobile greenhouse gas measurement system is used to identify the locations of the main methane sources and accessibility close to their perimeters on public roads both upwind and downwind. This system consists of a Picarro G2301 CRDS (Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer), which provides carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations in ppm, and water vapour in %. The mobile module is installed on a suitable vehicle together with an anemometer and GPS receiver. Data gathered from the spatial surveys are mapped using GIS.
Air samples were collected in the areas where the methane plume was intercepted. These samples were measured at RHUL to give an isotopic signature for each source using CF-GC-IRMS (Continuous Flow Gas Chromatography-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry). This work will aid understanding of methane emissions in Kuwait and the wider influence of methane from across the Middle-East and Gulf areas.
