Namibia Archives | Pass NetZero

Water Flow Regulation

claudem — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:10:29 +0000

How Aquatic Plants Regulate Water Flow

Through their physical structure and biological processes, aquatic plants create natural systems that help control flooding, reduce erosion, and maintain healthy water cycles. At the most basic level, aquatic plants act as natural barriers that slow down water movement, with root systems capable of anchoring sediments and creating pathways for water filtration. Above ground, their vegetation reduces flow velocity and increases water retention time, allowing sediments to settle while preventing erosion and clogged waterways. With strategic placement, aquatic plants and macroalgae can be used to create natural irrigation networks, water retention zones, sedimentation reservoirs, and more. Such initiatives would support agricultural productivity, drought resilience, hydroelectricity generation, and healthier ecosystems.

Image source: Arkema, Katie & Griffin, Robert & Maldonado, Sergio & Silver, Jessica & Suckale, Jenny & Guerry, Anne. (2017). Linking social, ecological, and physical science to advance natural and nature-based protection for coastal communities. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1399. 10.1111/nyas.13322.

Pass NetZero's Role in Water Flow Regulation

Through our partnerships with academic institutions, we study how different aquatic plant species affect water flow regulation across various environments and how such qualities can be optimized as nature-based solutions in various sectors. Our research encompasses three primary focus areas:

Increasing community climate resilience

by implementing initiatives centered on flood prevention, stabilized riverbanks, drought resilience, reduced soil erosion, and improved water quality

Developing agroforestry solutions

by utilizing aquatic plants to create natural irrigation networks to reduce water consumption and establish water retention zones to bolster agricultural productivity

Advancing grid-vegetation integration

by promoting proper vegetation management at hydroelectric facilities, particularly those located on the Okavango River, to reduce reservoir sedimentation and improve water quality.

Additionally, through the promotion of carbon credit sharing mechanisms, our initiatives aim to promote collaborative partnerships between power producers and landowners to develop water release schedules that benefit both energy generation and ecosystem health.

Project Objectives

Atlas Creation

For tracking and documenting plant and macroalgae species based on water flow regulation capacities

Increase Climate Resilience

Develop optimized techniques for flood mitigation, erosion prevention, and drought resistance

Contribute to Local Economies

Create nature-based solutions to local community needs that bolster agricultural productivity, disaster prevention, hydroelectricity generation, and more

Knowledge Exchange

Create and expand existing knowledge-sharing networks to expedite data acquisition and collaborations with other stakeholders

The post Water Flow Regulation appeared first on Pass NetZero.

Heat Mitigation

lucy zhao — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:10:18 +0000

A Natural Approach to Temperature Management

Rising global temperatures present significant challenges to both aquatic ecosystems and human communities. When water bodies heat up, oxygen levels drop, harmful algal blooms increase, and aquatic life suffers. However, nature has developed sophisticated systems for managing heat and solar radiation that could help us address these challenges. These systems include aquatic plants and macroalgae, which provide canopy shading - by intercepting sunlight over water bodies, evaporative cooling - by releasing water vapor to create a cooling effect, surface coverage - by creating a protective layer between air and water, and water movement - by using natural plant structures to mix warm and cool water.

Image source: https://boudewijnhuijgens.getarchive.net/amp/media/underwater-photography-pond-plants-nature-landscapes-
2d5e37

Pass NetZero's Role in Heat Mitigation

At Pass NetZero, we investigate these natural cooling mechanisms to develop sustainable solutions for temperature management. Through our research and collaboration efforts, we’re working to expand our understanding of natural cooling mechanisms and develop more effective temperature management solutions. By combining the cooling properties of aquatic plants with the light-management capabilities of other natural materials, we can create adaptable approaches that help communities build resilience against rising temperatures while supporting broader environmental health.

Project Objectives

Atlas Creation

For tracking and documenting plant and macroalgae species based on temperature regulation capacities

Self-maintaining system creation

Integrate with existing ecosystems to ensure sustainable processes that naturally mitigate heat without disruptive features

Temperature management solutions

Explore best methods for effective temperature regulation by maximizing the cooling properties of aquatic plants and macroalgae

Scalable Implementation

Transform research into real-world solutions that local communities can utilize to build resilience against rising temperatures

The post Heat Mitigation appeared first on Pass NetZero.

Aquatic Plant Bioremediation

claudem — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 15:10:12 +0000

Aquatic Plants' Role in Bioremediation

Pollutants like heavy metals and organic compounds are introduced into critical water resources via industries, agriculture, and other human-related activities. These contaminants lower water quality and deplete oxygen levels, negatively impacting local ecosystems and human health. However, a diverse range of aquatic plant species possess phytoremediation properties, which means they have the capacity to absorb heavy metals, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other organic compounds from water bodies. By optimizing these phytoremediation qualities, we can transform aquatic plants into a critical tool for water quality improvement, wastewater treatment, and ecosystem rehabilitation.

Image source: Delgado-González, C., Madariaga-Navarrete, A., Fernández-Cortés, J.M., Pelcastre, M., Oza, G., Iqbal, H., Sharma, A. (2021). Advances and Applications of Water Phytoremediation: A Potential Biotechnological Approach for the Treatment of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021,18, 5215. 10.3390/ijerph18105215.

Pass NetZero's Role in Bioremediation

We work with academic and research institutions like the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to fund research focused on determining aquatic plant and macroalgae candidates best suited for bioremediation initiatives. Our work also includes the development of an Atlas, which documents and categorizes species of interest, as well as lab and field testing. With our funding, researchers are working to determine the rates of pollutant uptake and effects on water quality for selected aquatic plant and macroalgae species. This knowledge allows us to confidently select species for our larger bioremediation projects.

Project Objectives

Atlas Creation

For tracking and documenting plant and macroalgae species based on bioremediation capacities

Knowledge Exchange

Create and expand existing knowledge-sharing networks to expedite data acquisition and collaborations with other stakeholders

Water Quality Improvement

Explore best methods for bioremediation and select plant and macroalgae candidates adapted to targeted areas

Scalable Implementation

Transform research into real-world solutions that bolster wastewater treatment, expand drinking water access, and improve local ecosystem health

The post Aquatic Plant Bioremediation appeared first on Pass NetZero.

Aquatic Carbon Capture & Sequestration

claudem — Sun, 02 Apr 2023 09:51:55 +0000

Aquatic Plants & Macroalgae as a Nature-Based Solution

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the primary greenhouse gases emitted via human activity, such as fossil fuel consumption, energy use, and industrial production. However, through photosynthesis, aquatic plants & macroalgae can absorb this emitted CO2 from the air and store it within its cells. With this storage, these plants and algae act as effective 'carbon sinks' by removing CO2 from the atmosphere, a process referred to as carbon sequestration. Because of their rapid growth rates and high photosynthetic efficiency, aquatic plants & macroalgae are an economical and effective solution to the climate crisis by reducing the volume of atmospheric Co2 and its heat-trapping effects that drive climate change.

Image source: Farghali, M., Mohamed, I.M.A., Osman, A.I. et al. Seaweed for climate mitigation, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, bioplastic, biochar, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics: a review. Environ Chem Lett 21, 97–152 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-022-01520-y

Pass NetZero's Role in Aquatic Plant Carbon Capture

At Pass NetZero, we are investing in research to determine which plant and algae species would be the most effective for local community climate resilience and economic equity. By collaborating with government leaders, community members, and research institutions like the Namibia University of Science and Technology, we provide the opportunity and resources to advance research, implementation, and product development rapidly. Additionally, we are exploring how harvested aquatic plants can be transformed into practical products, like bioplastic, bio-bricks, bio-feed, and more.

Project Objectives

Atlas Creation

For tracking and documenting various aquatic plant and macroalgae species based on selected characteristics (e.g., carbon mitigation capacity, nativity, etc.)

Knowledge Exchange

Create and expand existing knowledge-sharing networks to expedite data acquisition and collaborations with other stakeholders

Product Development

Explore best methods for transforming organic matter into durable & functional products or materials (e.g., bioplastic, bio-bricks, bio-feed, etc.)

Scalable Implementation

Through in-depth research and testing, develop methods to transform findings into real-world solutions for local and global communities

The post Aquatic Carbon Capture & Sequestration appeared first on Pass NetZero.