Atmospheric Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases Part 2: Greenhouse Gases

Important Greenhouse Gases

GHGs regulated under Kyoto Protocol

• CO2

• CH4

• N2O

• SF6

• Hydroflourocarbons (HFCs)

• Perflourocarbons (PFCs)

Others

• Halocarboncs (HCFCs, CFCs

• H2O

• O3

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Source: Ecosystem respiration

Anthropogenic sources: Fossil fuel combustion, Cement production, Land use change (deforestation).

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Natural source: Emission from soils under natural vegetation

Anthropogenic sources: Agricultural activity 

Methane CH4

Natural sources: Wetlands

Anthropogenic: Agricultural activity, waste management, fossil fuels

Sulphur Hexafluoride SF6

Natural sources: No natural sources

Anthropogenic: Electricity distribution systems, and semi-conductor manufacturing

Commonly used measurements methods for gas samples

• Separation vs non-separation methods:

1. Separate individual components by gas chromatography or other methods before detection.

2. In situ vs remote sensing methods: In situ: requires access to the sample

3. Light spectroscopy: Look at changes in light sent through sample

4. Mass spectrometry: Ionize gas and send through magnets for separation through sample

5. Chemiluminescence: Important for NOx

6. Collect and weight: Particulate Matter

HGH legislation in EU and Ireland