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Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...

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Use of Tracer Elements for Estimating Community Exposure to Marcellus Shale Development Operations.

Maya Nye¹, Travis Knuckles¹, Beizhan Yan²

¹West Virginia University School of Public Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

|March 18, 2020

Summary

Magnesium may help track air pollution from unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) up to 7 km away. This research aids in understanding UNGD

Keywords:

PM2.5 community exposure particulate matter source identification tracer elements unconventional natural gas development

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Atmospheric Chemistry
Geochemistry

Background:

Unconventional natural gas development (UNGD) has surged in the Marcellus Shale region since 2009.
Elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are observed near drilling sites during well stimulation.
Communities near UNGD sites face increased industrial activity and potential exposure to air pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify airborne elements traceable downwind from an active UNGD well pad.
To assess the feasibility of using specific elements as tracers for UNGD emissions.
To determine the measurable distance of UNGD point source emissions.

Main Methods:

Collected PM2.5 filter samples on an active gas well pad and three downwind locations during hydraulic stimulation.
Analyzed fine particulate samples for major and trace elements.
Developed and applied an experimental source identification model to trace elements and correlate with PM2.5 measurements.

Main Results:

Magnesium was identified as a potential tracer for UNGD point source emissions.
The study demonstrated the ability to model complex topographic and meteorological conditions to isolate UNGD sources.
Well pad emissions were measurable at distances of at least 7 km.

Conclusions:

Magnesium shows promise as a tracer for detecting the extent of UNGD emissions.
Source identification models can help account for regional complexities in the Marcellus Shale.
UNGD emissions can be detected at significant distances, informing future health impact studies.