Research Article Open Access

Methane Emissions by Reed Formations on the Azov Sea Coast

Dmitry Nikolaevich Gar'kusha1 and Viktor Vladimirovich Sukhorukov1
  • 1 Southern Federal University, 344006, 105/42, Bol'shaya Sadovaya, Rostov-on-Don, Russia

Abstract

Mapping of reed zones including both single-species formations and mixed formations of reeds and cattails has been done to assess methane emissions produced by reed formations growing on the coast and adjacent areas of the Azov Sea. In particular zones full-scale experiments have been carried out in order to measure methane emissions above common reed (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.) and lake reed (Scirpus lacustris L.) areas, which have formed the basis for calculation of methane concentration produced by reed formations of the Azov Sea. Methane fluxes above the common reed and lake reed bushings range respectively from 1.73 to 5.85 mg/m2 h and from 1.14 to 2.34 mg/m2 h and are on average in 12-22 times higher than in open water areas. The total area of the Azov Sea coast and its surroundings with reed formations is 967.4 km2 or 2.5% of the sea area with open water surface. The total amount of methane emissions from these formations is estimated to be 80 thousand m3 per day or 34.5% of the total methane emissions from the open water surface of the sea. At the same time 84% of these data fall on a single system of estuaries and the lakes between the Kuban River and Primorsko-Akhtarsk town.

OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences
Volume 19 No. 4, 2019, 286-295

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ojbsci.2019.286.295

Submitted On: 10 April 2019 Published On: 24 December 2019

How to Cite: Gar'kusha, D. N. & Sukhorukov, V. V. (2019). Methane Emissions by Reed Formations on the Azov Sea Coast. OnLine Journal of Biological Sciences, 19(4), 286-295. https://doi.org/10.3844/ojbsci.2019.286.295

  • 3,638 Views
  • 1,532 Downloads
  • 3 Citations

Download

Keywords

  • Coastal Water Plants
  • Phragmites australis
  • Scirpus Lacustris
  • Methane Emissions in the Atmosphere