Chemical and isotopic characterization of organic natural gas plant emissions in Alberta

This thesis investigates the isotopic and chemical characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and quantifies particulate-form n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons emitted from natural gas processing facilities, with the goal of identifying compounds suitable for source apportionment. Sampling methods and analytical techniques appropriate for isotopic analysis were developed, and used to examine receptor site, control site, and natural gas plant samples. VOCs emitted from natural gas plants were tentatively identified and isotopically characterized. Specific VOCs were found that differed in delta 13C value by up to 8‰ between natural gas plants, and are potentially suitable source apportionment compounds. Toluene was present in samples from all natural gas plants, but not at quantities sufficient to provide isotopic information. Increases in aerosol concentrations at the receptor site during the winter months were likely the result of increased anthropogenic activities.