Modelling methane emissions from Vilar reservoir (Portugal)

The decomposition of the sediments in the benthic zone of reservoirs may induce the production of greenhouse gases which end up being released to the atmosphere. This study focused on the quantification of methane emissions to the atmosphere from Vilar reservoir using the model CE-Qual-W2 as methane emissions importance is strongly associated with its global warming potential, 25 times higher than carbon dioxide. According to Beaulieu et al. (2014), methane emissions from reservoirs in tempered climates are usually below 50 mg C.m^-2d^-1 and in tropical climates between 50 and 150 mg C.m^-2d^-1. Considering the reliability and experience in the use of the CE-Qual-W2 model, it is considered that although field data limitations are yet a problem to be tackled, the implementation of this model is surely a way to go towards a better understanding of the potential contribution from reservoirs to GHG emissions.