Table 1 δ13C signatures of UK methane sources, based on measured values13, 18 and literature review.

From: Evaluating methane inventories by isotopic analysis in the London region

UK Methane Sources

Emission ktonne (2013)

UNECE Sector

Typicalδ13C-CH4 (‰)

Enteric fermentation (cows)

945

Agriculture

−66*

Waste disposal and landfills

696

Waste treatment and disposal

−58*

Gas transmission and distribution

218

Offshore

−36*

Manure management

139

Agriculture

−58

Wastewater handling

134

Waste treatment and disposal

−53*

Coal mining

64

Offshore

−45*

Combustion (industrial and domestic)

44

Combustion in energy production and transfer

−25

Road transport

2

Road Transport

−20

Biomass burning

1

Agricultural burning and wildfires

−28

UK Total

2243

 

−58

  1. *Indicates values that have been revised by the study of Zazzeri19. 2013 NAEI emission inventories are provided without errors. The agriculture sector includes both enteric fermentation and manure; offshore category refers to emissions from fossil fuels (natural gas and coal); waste treatment sector includes both landfill sites and sewage works. The natural gas isotopic value of −36‰ has been attributed to the “offshore” sector, as no coal mines are located within the London area. Errors of measured isotopic values are within ±3‰.
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