Hydrogen Sulphide from Geothermal Developments: Its Nature and Control

Abstract

Hydrogen sulphide is the airpollutant ed with geothermal developments that is generally most concern. Its direct effects on humans range from a noxious "rotten odour at low concentrations, to eyeirritation at medium concentrations, and to respiratory damage and even death at high concentrations. Hydrogen sulphide is chemically reactive. Economic of this may include corrosion of metals, blackening of paints, and vegetation damage. Measurement of the gas is complicated by the fact that concentrations of interest cover a very wide range. Techniques available for quantitative measurement include wet chemical determination$, and electrochemical methods. Limiting exposures to hydrogen sulphide can be achieved either by modifications to the way the geothermal resource is utilised or by secondary control measures. There have recently been some highly significant developments in both these approaches to control.