Analytical Techniques for Measuring Fluxes of CO2 and CH4 from Hydroelectric Reservoirs and Natural Water Bodies

Abstract

Hydro-Québec and its partners have been measuring greenhouse gases (GHG) gross fluxes from hydroelectric reservoirs and natural water bodies since 1993. Over the years the methods have changed with a constant aim for improvement. The methods used are: the thin boundary layer, the use of floating chambers with in situ or exsitu laboratory analysis and the use of floating chambers coupled to an automated instrument (NDIR or FTIR). All these methods have their pros and their cons. Over the years many tests were done to compare the methods.