Carbon Disulfide (CS(2)) Mechanisms in Formation of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide (CO(2)) Formation from Unconventional Shale Gas Extraction and Processing Operations and Global Climate Change

Carbon disulfide (CS(2)) has been historically associated with the production of rayon, cellophane, and carbon tetrachloride. This study identifies multiple mechanisms by which CS(2) contributes to the formation of CO(2) in the atmosphere. CS(2) and other associated sulfide compounds were found by this study to be present in emissions from unconventional shale gas extraction and processing (E&P) operations. The breakdown products of CS(2); carbonyl sulfide (COS), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) are indirect greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to CO(2) levels in the atmosphere. The heat-trapping nature of CO(2) has been found to increase the surface temperature, resulting in regional and global climate change. The purpose of this study is to identify five mechanisms by which CS(2) and the breakdown products of CS(2) contribute to atmospheric concentrations of CO(2). The five mechanisms of CO(2) 1. Chemical Interaction of CS(2) and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) present in natural gas at high temperatures, resulting in CO(2) formation; 2. Combustion of CS(2) in the presence of oxygen producing SO(2) and CO(2); 3. Photolysis of CS(2) leading to the formation of COS, CO, and SO(2), which are indirect contributors to CO(2) formation; 4. One-step hydrolysis of CS(2), producing reactive intermediates and ultimately forming H(2)S and CO(2); 5. Two-step hydrolysis of CS(2) forming the reactive COS intermediate that reacts with an additional water molecule, ultimately forming H(2)S and CO(2). CS(2) and COS additionally are implicated in the formation of SO(2) in the stratosphere and/or troposphere. SO(2) is an indirect contributor to CO(2) formation and is implicated in global climate change.