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Published on: September 5, 2018
Biogeochemical value of managed realignment, Humber estuary, UK
J E Andrews1, D Burgess, R R Cave
1School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. j.andrews@uea.ac.uk
The Science of the Total Environment
|September 26, 2006
Summary
Managed realignment in UK estuaries, like the Humber, can significantly increase sediment and nutrient sinks. However, greenhouse gas emissions must be managed for effective carbon sequestration and long-term economic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Estuarine biogeochemistry and sediment dynamics.
- Socioeconomic analysis of environmental management.
- Coastal ecology and habitat restoration.
Background:
- Estuarine ecosystems face pressures from human activities and climate change.
- Managed realignment is a strategy to restore intertidal habitats and enhance ecosystem services.
- Understanding the biogeochemical and economic impacts is crucial for effective estuarine management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the maximum biogeochemical and economic outcomes of a large-scale managed realignment scenario in a UK estuary.
- To inform policy decisions by integrating biogeochemical and socioeconomic factors of managed realignment.
- To evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of managed realignment compared to traditional coastal defense.
Main Methods:
- Development of an 'Extended Deep Green' managed realignment scenario for the Humber estuary.
- Biogeochemical modeling to quantify changes in sediment, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling.
- Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) comparing realignment with a 'Hold-the-Line' scenario over various timescales.
- Assessment of contaminant metal storage in newly formed intertidal areas.
Main Results:
- Creation of 7494 ha of intertidal area led to significant increases in sediment, organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus accumulation.
- Enhanced greenhouse gas emissions in low-salinity marshes partially offset carbon sequestration benefits.
- Managed realignment proved cost-effective over 25-year timescales and superior over 50- and 100-year timescales.
- Increased sediment burial showed potential for storing contaminant metals like copper, offering economic benefits.
Conclusions:
- Managed realignment offers substantial biogeochemical benefits, including enhanced nutrient and carbon sinks, particularly in saline marshes.
- Careful consideration of greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to maximize carbon sequestration benefits.
- Long-term cost-benefit analysis supports managed realignment as an economically efficient estuarine management strategy.
- The findings are relevant to other reclaimed estuaries across Northern Europe facing similar challenges.
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