Where did all the carbon go? – Providing the knowledge for blue carbon credit schemes

(NOLTE_UENV24ARIES) CASE studentship with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

Where did all the carbon go? – Providing the knowledge for blue carbon credit schemes

(NOLTE_UENV24ARIES) CASE studentship with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Stefanie Nolte, University of East Anglia – Contact me

Professor Carol Robinson, UEA – School of Environmental Sciences

Dr Natalie Hicks, University of Essex – School of Life Sciences

Dr Tiziana Luisetti, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

Background

Coastal vegetated ecosystems such as salt marshes have received much attention for their contribution to climate change mitigation (1,2). In particular, the high rates of organic carbon sequestered by these ‘Blue Carbon’ ecosystems has been highlighted, leading to an increased interest in their restoration and potential inclusion in carbon credit schemes (3).

However, there are still knowledge gaps in our understanding of the biogeochemistry of these ecosystems. While we have a good understanding of the sequestration of organic carbon (OC) in the soil, there is a lack of knowledge of greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes (i.e. release of CO2 and CH4) (4) and their seasonal drivers. Furthermore, the role which inorganic Carbon (IC) plays in their overall carbon budget is largely unknown (5). Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) production by calcifying organisms (e.g. bivalves) is a source of CO2 and increases ocean acidification, while CaCO3 dissolution creates a CO2 sink. Furthermore, the potential application of biogeochemical understanding in carbon crediting schemes calls for an interdisciplinary approach linking biogeochemical and economic research.

Research methodology

You will combine methods from the fields of biogeochemistry and environmental economics. Data collection in the field will contrast natural and restored marshes over seasonal cycles. You will quantify GHG fluxes using a LI-COR Trace Gas Analyzer. OC and IC will be quantified in sediments using an elemental analyser, and in water using state-of-the-art core carbonate chemistry equipment. In an interdisciplinary approach you will review the biophysical data requirements for a viable carbon credit scheme to be implemented within well-known economic and governance frameworks and models.

Training

Your training will include field sampling, laboratory skills, and basic environmental economics. You will join the PhD cohort at UEA, attend training courses on both research and transferable skills and present your work in departmental seminars and at international conferences. This is an exciting opportunity to gain interdisciplinary training at UEA, the University of Essex and Cefas.

Person specification

We are looking for a candidate with a degree in Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences, or courses delivering similar knowledge and skills. You should have an interest in biogeochemistry and interdisciplinary research.

References

  • 1 Julien Pétillon, Emma McKinley, Meghan Alexander, Janine B. Adams, Christine Angelini, Thorsten Balke, John N. Griffin, Tjeerd Bouma, Sally Hacker, Qiang He, Marc J.S. Hensel, Carles Ibáñez, Peter I. Macreadie, Simone Martino, Elwyn Sharps, Rhoda Ballinger, Davide de Battisti, Nicola Beaumont, Daryl Burdon, Pedro Daleo, Andrea D'Alpaos, Mollie Duggan-Edwards, Angus Garbutt, Stuart Jenkins, Cai J.T. Ladd, Heather Lewis, Giulio Mariotti, Osgur McDermott, Rachael Mills, Iris Möller, Stefanie Nolte, Jordi F. Pagès, Brian Silliman, Liquan Zhang, Martin W. Skov (2023): Top ten priorities for global saltmarsh restoration, conservation and ecosystem service research, Science of The Total Environment, Volume 898, 2023, 165544, ISSN 0048-9697, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165544
  • 2 Legge, O., Johnson, M., Hicks, N., Jickells, T., Diesing, M., Aldridge, J., Andrews, J., Artioli, Y., Bakker, D.C., Burrows, M.T. and Carr, N., 2020. Carbon on the northwest European shelf: Contemporary budget and future influences. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7, p.143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00143Legge, O., Johnson, M., Hicks, N., Jickells, T., Diesing, M., Aldridge, J., Andrews, J., Artioli, Y., Bakker, D.C., Burrows, M.T. and Carr, N., 2020. Carbon on the northwest European shelf: Contemporary budget and future influences. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7, p.143. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.00143
  • 3 Luisetti, T., Turner, R.K., Andrews, J.E., Jickells, T.D., Kröger, S., Diesing, M., Paltriguera, L., Johnson, M.T., Parker, E.R., Bakker, D.C.E., Weston, K., 2019. Quantifying and valuing carbon flows and stores in coastal and shelf ecosystems in the UK. Ecosyst. Serv. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2018.10.013
  • 4 UKBCEP (2023) UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership Evidence Needs Statement. Lowestoft, UK 23pp
  • 5 Macreadie, P.I., Serrano, O., Maher, D.T., Duarte, C.M., Beardall, J., 2017. Addressing calcium carbonate cycling in blue carbon accounting. Limnol. Oceanogr. Lett. https://doi.org/10.1002/lol2.10052

Key Information

  • This project has been shortlisted for funding by the ARIES NERC DTP and will start on 1st October 2024. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 10th January 2024.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a NERC studentship, which covers fees, stipend (£18,622 p.a. for 2023/24) and research funding. International applicants are eligible for fully-funded ARIES studentships including fees. Please note however that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK. We expect to award between 4 and 6 studentships to international candidates in 2024.
  • ARIES students benefit from bespoke graduate training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis, visa requirements notwithstanding.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential, and will be stored on the UEA sharepoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships, and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be ask to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES funding is subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. See https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information

Applications open

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