Carbon Sequestration in Urban Wetlands

This project aims to quantify carbon storage and greenhouse fluxes in different constructed urban wetlands in Canberra under a range of conditions. Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems globally with respect to their potential for carbon sequestration. However, the actual potential of wetlands to contribute to climate change processes is still unknown, as greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands are poorly understood. This is particularly true for constructed wetlands in urban areas.

The project will measure carbon stocks stored in soil, vegetation, and water of constructed wetlands across four seasons summer, autumn, winter, and spring in Canberra. The fluxes of three important greenhouse gases; CO2, N2O and CH4 will also be measured. The balance between carbon sequestration and GHGs flux will help to determine if urban wetlands may act to sequester carbon.

Urban wetlands can often be managed in terms of water levels, types of vegetation, and length of inundation. This project will develop an understanding of how urban wetlands may best be managed to maximize their potential to mitigate the effects of climate change through enhanced uptake of carbon and management of GHG emissions.