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The Effect of Water Quantity on Methane Emissions from Constructed Wetlands

CSEF · 2008 Plant Biology

Sumit Mitra · University High School, Irvine, Orange County

Overview

Objectives/Goals My objective was to find out if varying water quantity in constructed wetlands will affect the methane emissions from them. Methods/Materials 6 plastic containers, 36 L of sphagnum peat moss, 15 L of water, 1 L measuring cup, 3 plant lights, 3 light holders, 12 seedlings of Scirpus americanus (Three-square Bulrush), 6- 50 cm X 35 cm of clear plastic sheeting, Duct tape,7 syringes- 10 cc.,Gloves, Scissors, Labels, Table, Measuring tape, Gas chromatograph Measure 6L of sphagnum peat moss soil and place it in each plastic container. Label them as Models A, B C, D, E and F 2.Pour 3.5L of water in models A and B, 5L of water in models C and D, 6.5 L of water in model E and F. Plant 2 seedlings of Scirpus americanus (Three-square Bulrush) in each container and let the plants grow under grow lights for 6 weeks. Then cover the plants with plastic sheeting to form airtight chamber and after 8 hours make a hole and take a sample of gas with the help of a syringe. Collect all the samples and take them to a lab for analysis in a gas chromatograph. Results Gas Chromatograph Bin # Model Peak Height 19 A 4188 23 B 4200 18 C 4259 22 D 4205 17 E 4295 20 F 4291 21 Garage 4019 Conclusions/Discussion The results supported the hypothesis, that Models E and F would release the greatest quantity of methane gas and models A and B with smallest water volume would release the smallest quantity of methane. Although the hypothesis was proved to be correct, the results of all the models were not very different from each other. There could have been various sources of error which would mean that the gas concentration would be more or less similar in all models. The garage had water heater in it and that emits methane and this was not taken into consideration while evaluating the results. As compared to Model C, Model D#s growth was stunted and this could have affected the results. The difference in methane data of

Summary statement

This project is about finding out if water quantity affects the methane emissions in construted wetland so that greenhouse effect from wetlands can be minimized

Help received

Prof Blake of UCI helped with the use of chromotagraph; #The staff of #Tree of Life# nursery in San Juan Capistrano helped in selecting the wetland plants and explained in detail on how to plant them; parents helped with the supplies; Irvine Ranch and Water District provided with the valuable reference of EPA

Competition history

  • CSEF 2008 Plant Biology · Entry S1715

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