Assessing greenhouse gas emissions from groundwater exploration drilling: A case study in groundwater resources office area 3, Saraburi province

บทคัดย่อ

This study employs the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to quantify greenhouse gas emissions associated with groundwater exploration drilling in Saraburi Province, Thailand. The research focuses on a case study at the Groundwater Resources Office Area 3, specifically examining a 152-meter deep well (number 6503NO12) located at coordinates Zone 47P UTM-E 708446 and UTM-N 1591718. The investigation analyzes diesel fuel consumption from drilling machinery and air compressors to evaluate the environmental impact of drilling operations. Results indicate that drilling a 150-meter deep well generates 185.25 kgCO2eq of emissions, with a rate of 1.2187 kgCO2eq per meter drilled. The primary source of these emissions is identified as the utilization of diesel fuel in drilling equipment and compressors. These findings underscore the substantial environmental implications of groundwater well drilling, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions. The study's outcomes align with Thailand's national objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2065. By providing quantitative data on the environmental impact of current drilling practices, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the water management sector. The results emphasize the necessity of developing and implementing more sustainable practices and alternative energy sources in groundwater exploration activities. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on environmental sustainability in water resource management and provides a foundation for future research aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of groundwater extraction processes.