CARBON DISULFIDE AS A CONTRIBUTOR TO FORMATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE ATMOSPHERE FROM NATURAL GAS EXTRACTION AND PROCESSING OPERATIONS

Climate change is occurring due to increased levels of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. Man is contributing to atmospheric GHG levels from industrial processes. Natural gas extraction and processing operations may be contributing to increased levels of GHGs in the atmosphere. Carbon disulfide, a chemical emitted during natural gas extraction and processing, has been found to be a contributor to formation of CO2. This study is the first to identify CS2 as a contributor to CO2 levels and the four mechanisms of action by which CS2 may contribute CO2 to the atmosphere. Purpose (a): This study is one of the first to identify the presence of CS2 and other sulfide compounds in emissions from unconventional shale gas extraction and processing, and the mechanisms by which it contributes CO2 to the atmosphere. This study also identifies COS, CO and SO2 as additional greenhouse gas (GHG) contributors from CS2 breakdown. The purpose of this study is to examine the different mechanisms by which CS2 and associated sulfide compounds can form CO2 and their ability to contribute to GHG atmospheric levels. Methods (b): A literature review was performed correlating CS2 emissions and production of CO2 in natural gas emissions. Databases searched included MEDLINE, TOXLINE, and PubMed. Current research has not identified CS2 as a contributor to CO2 levels in the atmosphere from natural gas extraction and processing operations. No paper was found that recognized all four potential mechanisms of CO2 formation or identified the potential for COS and SO2 to be contributors to CO2 formation. Results (c): Atmospheric conversion of CS2 was shown to result in the formation of CO2, COS, CO and SO2. Emissions from unconventional shale gas extraction and processing were shown to be a source for CS2 in the atmosphere. The mechanisms for GHG formation was found to occur through combustion, photolysis and hydrolysis of CS2. Conclusions (d): The contribution of CO2, COS, CO, and SO2 in the atmosphere from natural gas emission of CS2 may be underestimated. Future calculations of atmospheric GHGs levels may consider what contribution CS2 from natural gas emissions is making to GHG levels in the atmosphere.