Erlania

Ellyn's PhD research

A deeper investigation on seaweed potential for carbon sequestration

Global climate change has brought several negative impacts on the environment as well as on varied aspect of communities’ livelihoods. Meanwhile, many researchers have investigated the possibility of ameliorative effort against its effects on both people and the environment. Seaweed is one of a scientifically proven way in carbon capture and storage (CCS) concept which has been taking notice of many researchers. However, some argue whether or not seaweed can be considered for carbon sequestration which is a long-term carbon storage. My research is investigating the potential of seaweed carbon to be stored in sea bottom sediment for a long period of time. This will develop a suite of biomarkers that allow both detection and quantification of seaweed carbon in sediments. Moreover, understanding the environmental conditions that may affect carbon sequestration is one of the important targets of this study. Mesocosm experiment would be conducted with respect to the recalcitrant carbon content in seaweed which could restrain the seaweeds decomposition process over time. Finally, the findings will disclose the potential of seaweed as an essential part of “blue carbon” system.

Supervisors: Dr. Alecia Bellgrove [Deakin], A/Prof Peter Macreadie [Deakin]