Multi-scale modeling of intensive macroalgae cultivation and marine nitrogen sequestration

Multi-scale macroalgae growth models are required for the efficient design of sustainable, economically viable, and environmentally safe farms. Here, we develop a multi-scale model for Ulva sp. macroalgae growth and nitrogen sequestration in an intensive cultivation farm, regulated by temperature, light, and nutrients. The model incorporates a range of scales by incorporating spatial effects in two steps: light extinction at the reactor scale (1 m) and nutrient absorption at the farm scale (1 km). The model was validated on real data from an experimental reactor installed in the sea. Biomass production rates, chemical compositions, and nitrogen removal were simulated under different seasons, levels of dilution in the environment and water-exchange rate in the reactor. This multi-scale model provides an important tool for environmental authorities and seaweed farmers who desire to upscale to large bioremediation and/or macroalgae biomass production farms, thus promoting the marine sustainable development and the macroalgae-based bioeconomy.

Preliminary Assessment of Carbon and Nitrogen Sequestration Potential of Wildfire-Derived Sediments Stored by Erosion Control Structures in Forest Ecosystems, Southwest USA

The role of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) in the global carbon cycle is still incompletely characterized. Much work has been done to characterize PyC on landforms and in soils where it originates or in “terminal” reservoirs such as marine sediments. Less is known about intermediate reservoirs such as streams and rivers, and few studies have characterized hillslope and in-stream erosion control structures (ECS) designed to capture soils and sediments destabilized by wildfire. In this preliminary study, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (N), and stable isotope parameters, δ13C and δ15N, were compared to assess opportunities for carbon and nitrogen sequestration in postwildfire sediments (fluvents) deposited upgradient of ECS in ephemeral- and intermittent-stream channels. The variability of OC, N, δ13C, and δ15N were analyzed in conjunction with fire history, age of captured sediments, topographic position, and land cover. Comparison of samples in 2 watersheds indicates higher OC and N in ECS with more recently captured sediments located downstream of areas with higher burn severity. This is likely a consequence of (1) higher burn severity causing greater runoff, erosion, and transport of OC (organic matter) to ECS and (2) greater cumulative loss of OC and N in older sediments stored behind older ECS. In addition, C/N, δ13C, and δ15N results suggest that organic matter in sediments stored at older ECS are enriched in microbially processed biomass relative to those at newer ECS. We conservatively estimated the potential mean annual capture of OC by ECS, using values from the watershed with lower levels of OC, to be 3 to 4 metric tons, with a total potential storage of 293 to 368 metric tons in a watershed of 7.7 km2 and total area of 2000 ECS estimated at 2.6 ha (203-255 metric tons/ha). We extrapolated the OC results to the regional level (southwest USA) to estimate the potential for carbon sequestration using these practices. We estimated a potential of 0.01 Pg, which is significant in terms of ecosystem services and regional efforts to promote carbon storage.

Multi-Scale Modeling of Intensive Macroalgae Cultivation and Marine Nitrogen Sequestration

Multi-scale macroalgae growth models are required for the efficient design of sustainable, economically viable and environmentally safe farms. Here, we develop a multi-scale model for Ulva sp. macroalgae growth and nitrogen sequestration in an intensive cultivation farm, regulated by temperature, light and nutrients. The model incorporates a range of scales by incorporating spatial effects in two steps: light extinction at the reactor scale (1 m) and nutrient absorption at the farm scale (1 km). The model was validated on real data from an experimental reactor installed in the sea. Biomass production rates, chemical compositions and nitrogen removal were simulated under different seasons, levels of dilution in the environment and water-exchange rate in the reactor. This multi-scale model provides an important tool for environmental authorities and seaweed farmers who desire to upscale to large bioremediation and/or macroalgae biomass production farms, thus promoting the marine sustainable development and the macroalgae-based bioeconomy.

Organic Carbon and Nitrogen stocks in two soil types of Northwestern Tunisia: Temporal and spatial variation

<p>Soil organic matter has generated international interest in carbon and nitrogen sequestration. In reality, small fluctuations of soil organic stock could have large impacts on global warming. Therefore, quantification of Soil Organic Carbon (SOCs) and Total Nitrogen (TNs) stocks in surface and deep horizons are important to control the release of greenhouse gases. The present research was undertaken in order to determine SOCs and TNs evolution over 50 years. For this aim, we selected two soils (P1 and P2) developed under contrasted pedogenetic conditions in North-West of Tunisia (Beja governorate). P1 is a Luvisol located in a forest region. However, P2 is a Cambisol situated in an agriculture zone. Soil samples were gathered from surface (0-30 cm) and deep (50-100 cm) horizons in 1971, 2005, 2012 and 2019. SOCs declined in surface and deep horizons during the experimental period in both studied soils. In the case of Luvisol, the values declined from 91.01 t/ha to 75.54 t/ha and from 53.00 t/ha to 24.51 t/ha, respectively in surface horizons and deep horizons. Likewise, the SOCs values decreased from 84.24 t/ha to 25.52 t/ha in surface horizons and from 24.45 t/ha to 14.20 t/ha in deep horizons of the Cambisol. The TNs recorded lower values than SOCs. Nevertheless, they showed the same behavior. Our results showed that the highest values of SOCs and TNs were recorded in the Luvisol. This soil exhibited the greatest amount of organic matter since it was developed under forest vegetation. In addition, the results showed an enrichment in SOCs and TNs of superficial horizons to the detriment of the deep horizons. Nevertheless, this decrease in organic stocks with depth occurred following different patterns according to soil type. In fact, the Cambisol reported an important depletion of soil organic stocks as compared to the Luvisol. The loss of SOCs and TNs were estimated to be 69.71% and 54.17% in surface horizon, and 41.94 % and 28.28 % in deep horizon, respectively. Indeed, the land-use change increases the decomposition of soil organic matter principal source of SOCs and TNs. Such a reduction has wider implications on global warming and soil fertility.  </p>