Greenhouse gas emissions and Sustained Flux Global Warming/Cooling Potential of two constructed wetlands from south-central Ontario

Constructed wetlands are multifunctional natural-like systems created for wastewater treatment, biomass production, water storage, flood retention, and wildlife habitat. Constructed wetlands where water-loving plants grow can also absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thus potentially contribute to offsetting greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities. However, like all wetlands, constructed wetlands also produce greenhouse gases themselves, such as methane and nitrous oxide, two powerful gases that contribute to global warming. In this project, we partnered with Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, an organisation working with local communities to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed by leading research, policy, and action since 1951, to determine if constructed wetlands in their jurisdiction can offer climate benefits, that is, if they can remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than the equivalent they emit as greenhouse gases. Through this project we aim to provide our partner with management recommendation for constructed wetlands that maximizes their climate benefits while, at the same time, provide various co-benefits, such as wildlife habitat and landscape beautification. In addition, we will train a Masters student to be an expert in this field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Florin Pendea

Student:

Partner:

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Lakehead University

Program: