In this activity, we will conduct isotope monitoring trials using high-performance enrichments developed in Activity 6 to assess stable isotope fractionation patterns. We will measure two different stable methane isotopes (delta-13C-CH4 and delta-2H-CH4) to generate a direct comparison of the differentiation capacity of these compounds for quantifying processes underlying methane emissions. We will develop multi-variate models, combined with the isotope data produced under Activity 2, to quantify the role of microbial oxidation in controlling methane emissions in landfill cover soils.
We anticipate that our insight into methane isotopes will clarify processes underlying net methane emissions, a currently underdeveloped methodology, leading to scientific advances in this area. Further, we expect to apply our models for quantifying methane cycling processes based on isotopic measurements to landfills across Canada and internationally, with the potential for application to other environments.