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Biogases transfers in estuaries.

Obiettivo

1. To determine the production and distribution of biogases affecting climate and atmospheric chemistry in surface waters of European estuaries. 2. To evaluate the atmospheric biogases fluxes in European estuaries and their impact on the global budgets.
3. To understand major biological processes which are responsible for biogases distributions.
4. To develop a predictive biogeochemical model which can be used to relate biogases emissions to organic matter and nutrients loadings.

Estuaries are obligate pathways for the transfer of dissolved and particulate material from the continent to the
marine system through rivers. They are extremely dynamic systems usually characterised by strong physico chemical gradients, enhanced biological activity and intense sedimentation and resuspension. Furthermore,
estuaries are subject to intense anthropogenic disturbance reflected in elevated loadings of detrital organic
matter, nutrients and toxic trace elements. All these features increase the potential for biogenic gas production
within estuaries.
In spite of their potential importance, very little is known about estuaries and their atmospheric coupling. On
a global scale, estuaries may act as a significant source of these gases and their importance should be better
investigated.
Within BIOGEST, we will determine the distribution in surface water of European estuaries of biogases liable
to have major environmental consequences: CO2, CH4, CO, non methane hydrocarbons, N2O, NH3, DMS, COS,
volatile halogenated organic compounds and biogenic volatile metals. Simultaneously to biogases distribution,
we will study related parameters and processes which are linked to biogases distribution: nutrients, organic and
inorganic carbon, oxygen, respiration, primary production, atmospheric and sediment exchanges. The
investigated estuaries will be the Elbe, the Ems, the Rhine, the Thames, the Scheldt, the Loire, the Gironde,
the Douro and the Sado. Among those nine estuaries, the Rhine, the Scheldt and the Gironde have been
selected for intensive seasonal studies. Results obtained during this project will serve to develop a
biogeochemical model that will be used to i) propose an estimate of the present day biogases emission from
European estuaries and, ii) predict future emission versus carbon and nitrogen loadings. This model will
provide a decision tool for environmental policy.

Campo scientifico

Programma(i)

Argomento(i)

Invito a presentare proposte

Data not available

Meccanismo di finanziamento

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinatore

Université de Liège
Contributo UE
Nessun dato
Indirizzo
Sart Tilman
4000 Liège
Belgio

Mostra sulla mappa
Costo totale
Nessun dato

Partecipanti (11)

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Ultimo aggiornamento: 8 Ottobre 1998

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/ENV4960213/it

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