| The Eagle Ford Shale (EFS) started operations in 2008 and has, since its inception, significantly contributed to the economic growth of Southwest Texas however, exploration activities are contributing to the emission of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), a major precursor for ozone formation.;The main research objectives were to conduct an emission inventory and create a methodology applicable to other sites; assess the variability of VOC concentrations in the different phases of exploration; compare VOC contributions from production phase and mid-stream sources in exploration; investigate the effects of factors such as types and quantities of emission sources and meteorology on VOC concentrations. Knowledge of the concentrations and distribution of VOCs will be useful in protecting the public and the environment at large.;Higher ambient VOC concentrations were observed in the production phase (annual averaging period - 17105.97microg/m3) than the mid-stream phase (annual averaging period - 3761.04microg/m3) of oil and gas exploration. |
