An Assessment of Seasonal Variation of Carbon Emission and Carbon Sequestration in Rural Areas of Belagavi District, Karnataka

Introduction: Carbon emission cause climate change by trapping heat and they also contribute to respiratory disease from smog and air pollution. Therefore, reducing carbon emission is important because it mitigates the effects of global climate change, improves public health and maintains biodiversity. In carbon sequestration process atmospheric carbon is taken up by trees, grasses and plants through photosynthesis.

Aim: Analyse the carbon emissions and estimate the carbon sequestration.

Methodology: The study was conducted at Golihalli and Bidi village of Belagavi district, Karnataka in India to measure the carbon emission level through Air Quality Monitor and CO meter for one year. The carbon sequestration was assessed by non-destructive method.

Results: An annual mean concentration of CO2 in Golihalli village was 924.33 ppm while in Bidi village 929.9 ppm and also the mean concentration of CO was 25.7 ppm in Golihalli village whereas 25.8 ppm in Bidi village. The mean concentration of PM2.5 was 57.8 μm3 and PM10 was 107.5 μm3 in Golihalli village however PM2.5 was 57.9 μm3 and PM10 was 108 μm3 in Bidi village. During the observation period, the maximum carbon emission concentration was measured in summer season and the minimum in rainy season. The largest value of carbon sequestration was seen in Tamarindus indica (530.22 gm) in Bidi village and Azdirachta indica (519.77 gm) in Golihalli village.

Conclusion: The carbon emission concentration was exceeding the safe level in both villages because of rural people’s day-today activities and vehicular pollution. The trees with higher age and DBH have more carbon sequestration which could help in mitigate the effects of carbon emitted in the village.