Journal article
Enrichment of radon and carbon dioxide in the open atmosphere of an Australian coal seam gas field
Environmental Science & Technology, Vol.47(7), pp.3099-3104
2013
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Source: InCites
Abstract
<p>Atmospheric radon (<sup>222</sup>Rn) and carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) concentrations were used to gain insight into fugitive emissions in an Australian coal seam gas (CSG) field (Surat Basin, Tara region, Queensland). <sup>222</sup>Rn and CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations were observed for 24 h within and outside the gas field. Both <sup>222</sup>Rn and CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations followed a diurnal cycle with night time concentrations higher than day time concentrations. Average CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations over the 24-h period ranged from 390 ppm at the control site to 467 ppm near the center of the gas field. A 3 fold increase in maximum <sup>222</sup>Rn concentration was observed inside the gas field compared to outside of it. There was a significant relationship between maximum and average <sup>222</sup>Rn concentrations and the number of gas wells within a 3 km radius of the sampling sites (<em>n</em> = 5 stations; <em>p</em> < 0.05). A positive trend was observed between CO<sub>2</sub> concentrations and the number of CSG wells, but the relationship was not statistically significant. We hypothesize that the radon relationship was a response to enhanced emissions within the gas field related to both point (well heads, pipelines, etc.) and diffuse soil sources. Radon may be useful in monitoring enhanced soil gas fluxes to the atmosphere due to changes in the geological structure associated with wells and hydraulic fracturing in CSG fields.</p>
Details
- Title
- Enrichment of radon and carbon dioxide in the open atmosphere of an Australian coal seam gas field
- Creators
- Douglas R Tait - Southern Cross UniversityIsaac R Santos - Southern Cross UniversityDamien T Maher - Southern Cross UniversityTyler J Cyronak - Southern Cross UniversityRachel J Davis - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Environmental Science & Technology, Vol.47(7), pp.3099-3104
- Grant note
- Funder: Australian Research Council, Grant ID: ARC/LE120100156, ARC/DP120101645, Grant links:
- Identifiers
- 2707; 991012821805602368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre; Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry; School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Science
- Resource Type
- Journal article