Using Gas Chromatography for measuring atmospheric methane concentrations in the field

摘要

A major challenge facing environmental scientists is the generation of accurate meaningful data which shows how different gas compositions are changing within the atmosphere over short time frames.These measurements are being carried out on both global and highly localised levels in order to measure the long and short term impacts of greenhouse gases on the earth's atmosphere.Methane currently makes up less than 5% of the total greenhouse gases globally which also include Carbon Dioxide,Nitrous Oxide and other fluorinated gases,making it more difficult to detect[1].There are six major sources of atmospheric methane: emission from anaerobic decomposition in natural wetlands; paddy rice fields; emission from livestock production systems(including intrinsic fermentation and animal waste); biomass burning(including forest fires,charcoal combustion,and firewood burning); fossil methane emission during the exploration and transport of fossil fuels and anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfills[2].This article will look at how gas chromatography(GC)can provide accurate data on methane levels in highly specific geographical areas.It will also look at the continuing role of the GC industry in measuring methane and the instruments which can be used to gather accurate data on emissions in the field.