Quantification and Mitigation of Agricultural Methane Emissions

Global atmospheric methane concentrations are at record levels and continue to rise. The Global Methane Pledge has now been signed by 150 countries, who have pledged to cut global methane emissions by 30% by 2030. This is an immense challenge and to do this policy makers need better information of exactly where emissions are located and the quantities being emitted.

Globally livestock emissions from manure and gastroenteric releases are responsible for around a third of human caused methane emissions. With population growth and increased food demand emissions from the agricultural sector are growing, thus jeopardising the success of both the Global Methane Pledge and the Paris Agreement.

Mobile measurements of methane, and other tracers such as methane isotopes, carbon dioxide, ammonia and ethane can locate and identify sources. Recent work by Royal Holloway identified many targets within the UK for methane reduction, very large emissions from biogas and agricultural waste management. Development and demonstration of reliable methodologies for cost-effective quantification of these sources are fundamental for construction of meaningful regulatory frameworks.

The student will make mobile measurements (by car and UAV) around farms and farm-fed biogas facilities to map methane and develop modelling methods to quantify emissions and identify opportunities for methane reduction.

Work will consider how these methodologies are translated to developing nations to allow more detailed understanding of agricultural methane emission factors.

The student will be trained in atmospheric measurements in the Greenhouse Gas laboratory at Royal Holloway and in UAV flying using Royal Holloway's Omnidrome facility. Training will be available in coding, data analysis, plume modelling and emissions quantification.