Incorporating Reservoir Greenhouse Gas Emissions into Carbon Footprint of Sugar Produced from Irrigated Sugarcane in Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from reservoirs are responsible for at most 2% of the overall warming effects of human activities. This study aimed at incorporating the GHG emissions of a reservoir (with irrigation/sugar production as its primary purpose), into the carbon footprint of sugar produced from irrigated sugarcane. This study adopts a life-cycle assessment (LCA) approach and encompasses the cradle-to-gate aspect of the international organization of standardization ISO 14040 guidelines. Results show that total carbon footprint of refined sugar could be as high as 5.71 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, over its entire life cycle, depending on the priority of purposes allocated to a reservoir and sugarcane productivity. Findings also reveal that the dammed river contributes the most to GHG emissions 5.04 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, followed by the agricultural stage 0.430 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, the sugar factory 0.227 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar, and lastly the transportation stage 0.065 kg CO2-eq/kg sugar. The sensitivity analysis shows that carbon footprint CF of sugar production is largely influenced by the rate of biomass decomposition in the impounded reservoir over time, followed by the reservoir drawdown due to seasonal climatic fluctuations. Significant amounts of GHG emissions are correlated with the impoundment of reservoirs for water resource development projects, which may account for up to 80% of total GHG emissions to the reservoir’s primary purpose. Sugar production expansion, coupled with allocating more functions to a reservoir, significantly influences the CF of sugar per service purpose. This study is an indicator for policymakers to comprehend and make plans for the growing tradeoffs amongst key functions of reservoirs.

The Impact of Sea Embankment Reclamation on Greenhouse Gas GHG Fluxes and Stocks in Invasive Spartina alterniflora and Native Phragmites australis Wetland Marshes of East China

“…Global climate warming due to increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from human activities is one of the most urgent challenges in ecology and climate change study [1]. Two of the most severe threats to world biodiversity are habitat alteration and the introduction and establishment of invasive species, especially in wetlands.…”

“…Reclamation by coastal embankments may alter GHG dynamics, according to our hypothesis, thus affecting plant development and soil physiochemical characteristics in invasive S. alteniflora and native P. australis salt marshes. The aim of this research was to evaluate the following hypothesis and questions: (1) The construction of a sea embankment in local habitats will dramatically increase greenhouse gas fluxes between the soil and the atmosphere in invasive S. alteniflora and native P. australis marshes; (2) whether soil carbon stocks vary between S. alteniflora and P. australis marshes in their response to sea embankment reclamation; and (3) whether there are differences in GHG fluxes and stocks between seawall restored S. alteniflora and P. australis marshes and adjoining unrestored S. alteniflora and P. australis marshes.…”