A Case Study of a Nature-Based Approach to Carbon Sequestration in Aquatic Habitats as a Strategy to Mitigate Climate Change along the Egyptian Northern Lakes.

Abstract

Global warming and carbon emissions are becoming of worldwide concern and many studies and research have reported the consequences and impacts of these problems with different solutions aiming to control or reduce carbon in the atmosphere. This study has shifted focus to natural methods for curbing emissions and protecting the environment, leading to the adoption of nature-based solutions, including carbon sequestration in water, sediment, and aquatic flora. The study aimed to evaluate and compare carbon sequestration rates in water and sediment samples from four northern Egyptian lakes, examining the carbon sequestration capacities of these aquatic habitats in planted and unplanted areas. The study findings demonstrate that water has a significantly higher capacity for carbon sequestration compared to sediment. The data reveals that the carbon dioxide absorption potential of water is considerably greater than that of the underlying sediment within the studied aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the presence of the common wetland plant species Phragmites australis was found to be associated with diminished carbon sequestration rates in the locations where it is present. Compared to unplanted control areas, the areas dominated by Phragmites australis exhibited lower overall carbon sequestration capabilities. Based on the study findings, it is recommended to explore the replacement of Phragmites australis with alternative plant species that can enhance carbon sequestration without adversely affecting the ecological balance of the lake ecosystems. One promising alternative is the Azolla spp, which has demonstrated high carbon sequestration potential in previous studies. Azolla spp.