Carbon negative freshwater wetlands: novel pathways of carbon sequestration. Freshwater wetlands are a substantial source of methane emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. Under my l

Description

Carbon negative freshwater wetlands: novel pathways of carbon sequestration. Freshwater wetlands are a substantial source of methane emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. Under my leadership, it was discovered that contrary to expectations, freshwater wetlands dominated by “paperbark” trees (Melaleuca spp.) act as methane sinks rather than emissions sources.  This study will explore the hydrology, ecology and microbial communities that drive this unusual carbon pathway. The implications of these investigations are immense; the results will inform new Blue Carbon methodologies that could include low-emission freshwater wetlands. Additionally, it will support the discovery of methane-consuming microbes with the potential to create biotechnological solutions to reduce global methane emissions. . Scheme: ARC Future Fellowships. Field: 4105 - Pollution and Contamination. Lead: Dr Maria Fernanda Adame