Extensive regional atmospheric hydrocarbon pollution in the southwestern United States

Abstract

Light alkane hydrocarbons are present in major quantities in the near-surface atmosphere of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas during both autumn and spring seasons. In spring 2002, maximum mixing ratios of ethane [34 parts per 109 by volume (ppbv)], propane (20 ppbv), and n-butane (13 ppbv) were observed in north-central Texas. The elevated alkane mixing ratios are attributed to emissions from the oil and natural gas industry. Measured alkyl nitrate mixing ratios were comparable to urban smog values, indicating active photochemistry in the presence of nitrogen oxides, and therefore with abundant formation of tropospheric ozone. We estimate that 4-6 teragrams of methane are released annually within the region and represents a significant fraction of the estimated total U.S. emissions. This result suggests that total U.S. natural gas emissions may have been underestimated. Annual ethane emissions from the study region are estimated to be 0.3-0.5 teragrams.

Fig. 1.

Average hydrocarbon mixing ratios in six U.S. cities in August 1999.

Fig. 2.

Surface-level mixing ratios of ethane in the southwestern United States, September 23–25, 2001. Crosses show individual sampling locations.

Fig. 3.

Surface-level mixing ratios of ethane (A), n-butane (B), methane (C), ethyne (D), and 2-BuONO₂ (E) in the southwestern United States, April 28–May 3, 2002. Crosses show individual sampling locations.