Emission, Dispersion and Reaction of H2S in Steam from Geothermal Fields in Iceland

Abstract

Gas emissions from geothermal fields in Iceland have been studied within the scope of a project aimed to enhance research concerning environmental aspects ofgeothermal exploitation. Short time measurements ofthe gases have been carried out in several high-temperature geothermal fields in Iceland. In four exploited fields baseline values of the concentration of sulphur gases, H2S and S02 have been obtained by long term measurements. The data reflect the depency between gas concentration and weather conditions very strongly. Preliminary interpretation and modeling indicate minor or very slow conversion of H2S to S02 at atmospheric conditions.