Measurement of methane emissions from ruminant livestock using a SF[sub 6] tracer technique

Journal Article · Tue Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Environmental Science and Technology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00051a025· OSTI ID:5108177

Johnson, K; Huyler, M; Westberg, H; Lamb, B ^[1]; Zimmerman, P ^[2]

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1. Washington State Univ., Pullman, WA (United States)
2. National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO (United States)

The purpose of this paper is to describe a method for determining methane emission factors for cattle. The technique involves the direct measurement of methane emissions from livestock in their natural environment. A small permeation tube containing SF[sub 6] is placed in the cow's rumen, and SF[sub 6] and CH[sub 4] concentrations are measured near the mouth and nostrils of the cow. The SF[sub 6] release provides a way to account for the dilution of gases near the animal's mouth. The CH[sub 4] emission rate can be calculated from the known SF[sub 6] emission rate and the measured SF[sub 6] and CH[sub 4] concentrations. The tracer method described provides an easy means for acquiring a large methane emissions data base from domestic livestock. The low cost and simplicity should make it possible to monitor a large number of animals in countries throughout the world. An expanded data base of this type helps to reduce uncertainty in the ruminant contribution to the global methane budget. 18 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 5108177
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology; (United States), Vol. 28:2; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
GLOBAL ASPECTS
MONITORING
METHANE
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
AGRICULTURAL WASTES
CATTLE
DATA BASE MANAGEMENT
DATA COVARIANCES
RUMINANTS
SULFUR FLUORIDES
TRACER TECHNIQUES
ALKANES
ANIMALS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROCARBONS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
MAMMALS
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC WASTES
POLLUTION
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
VERTEBRATES
WASTES
540120* - Environment
Atmospheric- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
400201 - Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
553005 - Agriculture & Food Technology- Animal Husbandry- (1987-)