Spatial distribution of near-surface atmospheric CH4 and CO2 concentrations and their carbon isotopic compositions in the coastal region of eastern China

BIAN Tian-yu; DUAN Xiao-yong; TONG Gang; LI Xue; YIN Ping; CAO Ke; CHEN Bin; ZHANG Da-hai

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China Environmental Science ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (3) : 1229-1237.

Spatial distribution of near-surface atmospheric CH₄ and CO₂ concentrations and their carbon isotopic compositions in the coastal region of eastern China

BIAN Tian-yu^1,2, DUAN Xiao-yong^2,3, TONG Gang^2,4, LI Xue^2,3, YIN Ping^2,3, CAO Ke^2,3, CHEN Bin^2,3, ZHANG Da-hai¹

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Abstract

The concentration and carbon isotope compositions (δ¹³C-CH₄, δ¹³C-CO₂) of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) along the coastal of eastern China were studied using vehicle mounted mobile measurement methods. The results indicated that the CH₄ concentration was observed to range from (1.84~2.94) ×10^-6, with an average concentration of 2.09×10^-6. The highest value was recorded in Jiangmen, Guangdong (2.32×10^-6), while the lowest value was recorded in Zhangzhou, Fujian (1.94×10^-6). The CO₂ concentration was found to range from (420.51~857.33) ×10^-6, with an average concentration of 525.70×10^-6. The highest value was measured in Shenzhen, Guangdong (599.08×10^-6), and the lowest value was measured in Nantong, Jiangsu (477.42×10^-6). Both CH₄ and CO₂ levels in the study area were found to exceed the atmospheric background values. The δ¹³C-CH₄ values ranged from -62.62‰ to -29.70‰, with an average of -43.65‰. The highest value was observed in Qingdao, Shandong (-40.24‰), and the lowest value was observed in Zhangzhou, Fujian (-48.25‰). The δ¹³C-CO₂ values ranged from -28.64‰ to -9.19‰, with an average of -17.53‰. The highest value was recorded in Nantong, Jiangsu (-14.45‰), and the lowest value was recorded in Shenzhen, Guangdong (-19.13‰). In the study area, CH₄ concentration was found to be positively correlated with its carbon isotope signature, while CO₂ concentration was negatively correlated with its carbon isotope signature. Per capita GDP, the number of civilian vehicles, livestock inventory, and rice cultivation area were all positively correlated with CH₄ concentration and its carbon isotope signature. In contrast, the forest coverage rate was negatively correlated with CH₄ concentration and its carbon isotope signature. δ¹³C (CO₂) was utilized to trace the sources and sinks of atmospheric CO₂ along the coastal regions of Shandong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong. Their respective δ¹³C (CO₂) source signatures (δ¹³Cs) were determined to be: -37.90‰, -37.67‰, -41.24‰, -34.12‰, -33.99‰, and -32.39‰. These values indicated that the combustion of petroleum and natural gas was identified as the primary contributing source to CO₂ emissions in the study area.

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eastern coastal cities / vehicle mounted mobile measurement / CH₄ / CO₂ / concentration / carbon isotope

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BIAN Tian-yu, DUAN Xiao-yong, TONG Gang, LI Xue, YIN Ping, CAO Ke, CHEN Bin, ZHANG Da-hai. Spatial distribution of near-surface atmospheric CH₄ and CO₂ concentrations and their carbon isotopic compositions in the coastal region of eastern China[J]. China Environmental Science. 2026, 46(3): 1229-1237

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