Towards Sustainable Peatland Management in the UK: An Integrated Study of Carbon Balance and Ecosystem Services (Ref: RDF24/EE/MCE/AGARWAL)

Peatlands are a significant component of the UK's natural landscape, covering about 15% of the country's land area. These ecosystems are not only vital for biodiversity but also act as significant carbon sinks. Despite their ecological importance, peatlands in the UK are under increasing threat from human activities such as agriculture, burning, and drainage. The degradation of these peatlands releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change and undermining the UK's Net Zero targets. Additionally, the loss of healthy peatlands impacts water quality and increases flood risks, which are key elements in achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water and climate action. The urgency to address these issues has never been greater. Recent research has highlighted the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the carbon balance in these ecosystems, as well as the range of services they provide. This study aims to fill these gaps by assessing the current state of carbon balance in UK peatlands and exploring their role in ecosystem services.

Objectives:

The primary objective is to evaluate the current state of carbon balance in selected peatland sites across the UK. Secondary objectives include assessing the ecosystem services provided by these peatlands, such as water quality improvement, flood management, and biodiversity conservation. This research aims to contribute directly to the UK's Net Zero targets by identifying sustainable peatland management practices that enhance carbon sequestration. Additionally, the study will align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean water, climate action, and life on land.

Methodology:

1. Field Surveys: Extensive field surveys will be conducted to measure carbon flux, water quality, and biodiversity indices in selected peatland sites.
2. Remote Sensing: Satellite imagery will be used to assess the health and extent of peatlands, complementing field data.
3. Historical Data: Peat cores will be analysed to understand the historical rates of carbon accumulation and to provide a long-term context for current measurements.
4. Ecosystem Services Assessment: Quantitative and qualitative methods will be employed to evaluate the ecosystem services provided by peatlands, including hydrological modelling for flood management and water quality testing.

Research Questions:

1. What is the current rate of carbon accumulation in selected UK peatlands?
2. How have anthropogenic activities impacted the carbon balance?
3. What are the key ecosystem services provided by these peatlands?
4. How do different land management practices impact the carbon sequestration capabilities and ecosystem services of UK peatlands?

Significance:

Understanding the carbon balance of peatlands is pivotal for the UK's terrestrial carbon inventory and global climate change mitigation. These ecosystems also offer vital services like water purification and flood control, directly impacting human and environmental well-being. This research will generate crucial data to inform conservation policies and sustainable peatland management. It aims to serve as a comprehensive guide for targeted interventions, thereby contributing to the UK's Net Zero goals and enhancing the quality of life for communities dependent on these ecosystems.

Conclusions:

This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the carbon balance and ecosystem services of UK peatlands. The findings will be instrumental in informing conservation and sustainable management practices, thereby contributing to the long-term health and resilience of these critical ecosystems. What sets this project apart is its multi-disciplinary approach, combining field surveys, remote sensing, and historical data to provide a holistic view of peatland health. The deliverables will include a robust dataset on carbon flux and ecosystem services, policy recommendations for sustainable peatland management, and a framework for future research in this vital area.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Dr. Vivek Agarwal. For informal queries, please contact [Email Address Removed]. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please contact Admissions at [Email Address Removed]. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD or Professional Doctorate holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

To be classed as a UK/Home student, candidates must:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student. Applicants must be fully enrolled in the UK before stipend payments can commence.

APPLY HERE:

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/  

In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. RDF24/…).

Deadline for applications: 23 May 2024

Start date of course: 1 October 2024

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.