Jiaqian Wang
carbon capture and sequestration on University land.
Email: j.wang82@ncl.ac.uk
Project supervisors
- School of Engineering
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Project description
Newcastle University prides itself on its green credentials. We are constantly searching for sustainable methods to solve environmental problems. We continuously improve the ways in which we recycle or reuse valuable waste. Senior managers at the University have established the Carbon Advisory Group. In 2015, the group looked at all the University’s links to the carbon industry. My project will carry out research and technical development. It will help to reduce the institutional carbon footprint. The University is working towards net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2040.
Newcastle University owns a considerable amount of land, and soils and vegetation. We own two farms. Thus, there is abundant scope to store atmospheric carbon. We can also use the waste from our farms.
My research will explore the potential of carbon capture and sequestration on land owned by the university. I will calculate how much carbon is currently stored in soils and vegetation owned by the University. I will set up a field study. Using lysimeters, I will assess if we can augment soil carbon by adding biochar.
In this research, we will find the answers to the following questions:
- How much biomass waste is available from university farms and food waste?
- What is the best strategy for augmenting soil carbon?
- What is the best strategy for augmenting the carbon fixed in vegetation?