- School of Geography
- University of Leeds
- Woodhouse Lane
- LEEDS
- LS2 9JT
- UK
- +44 (0)1133 430702
Zoe Wallage's Homepage
Research Interests:
Global climate change and terrestrial carbon dynamics, specifically biochar and biosequestration and peatland biogeochemistry and hydrology
I am currently (October 2011 – Present) a Research Fellow in the School of Geography at the University of Leeds, working on a Yorkshire Water project assessing the production and release of discoloured waters and dissolved organic carbon from upland peat catchments.
(Project Update to follow shortly)
This follows earlier positions at the University of East Anglia’s Low Carbon Innovation Centre (LCIC) and the Open University’s Department of Earth and Environment Sciences.
My work at LCIC involved providing the detailed technical analysis and evaluation of practical applications to carbon management and mitigation for clients, and as such, part of my duties involves the assessment and evaluation of processes and technologies in terms of their CO2 emissions.
Although I take an interest in a wide-range of low carbon technologies and applications, my particular area of expertise is the assessment of terrestrial carbon dynamics, having undertaken detailed process-based research monitoring the release of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and methane (CH4) from peatland soils, and having more recently evaluated the use of biochar as a means to sequester atmospheric carbon in soils.
Recent research within LCIC focused on the use of biochar as a means to sequester atmospheric carbon, with particular reference to temperate UK soils. To this effect, I undertook a comprehensive review of the global state of knowledge regarding the use of biochar as a carbon sequestration agent and possible soil improver for a report commissioned by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), intended to help the Region create an appropriate development strategy in this potentially important field. My particular remit being to review the use of advanced thermal technologies, such as pyrolysis and gasification, to produce a sustainable source of biochar and renewable bioenergy, quantifying the carbon sequestration potential on a national and international scale, and reviewing issues relating to health and safety and the wider environment.
Publications:
(Publications Update to follow shortly)
Collison, M., Collison, L., Sakrabani, R., Tofield, B., & Wallage, Z.E., (2009). Biochar & Carbon Sequestration: A Regional Perspective. East of England Development Agency Report. Reference 7049.
Gauci, V., & Wallage Z.E., (2008). The Effect of Sulfate Deposition on Wetland Methane Emissions: Historical, Experimental & Emissions Monitoring Evidence. Eos Trans. AGU, 89(53) Abs B11F-01.
Wallage, Z.E., (2007). Dissolved organic carbon & colour dynamics in drained and restored blanket peat. PhD Thesis. School of Geography, The University of Leeds.
Wallage, Z.E., Holden, J., & McDonald, A.T., (2006). Drain blocking: An effective treatment for reducing dissolved organic carbon & water discolouration in a drained peatland. Sci Tot Env, 367, 811–821.
Wallage, Z.E., Holden, J., & McDonald, A.T., (2006). An unstable relationship between dissolved organic carbon concentration & water colour in peatlands. Geophys Res Abs, 8, 2052.
Wallage, Z.E., Jones, T.D., & Holden, J., (2006). Determining the effect of peatland drainage & restoration on the rate of microbial activity in an upland blanket peat. Geophys Res Abs, 8, 2691.
Wallage, Z.E., Holden, J., & McDonald, A.T., (2006). Drain blocking: An effective treatment for reducing dissolved organic carbon & water discolouration in a drained peatland. Geophys Res Abs, 8, 2051.
Wallage, Z.E., Holden, J., & McDonald, A.T., (2006). Drain blocking: An effective treatment for reducing dissolved organic carbon & water discolouration in a drained peatland. Proceedings of The 9th National Hydrological Symposium, Durham. September 2006. 109–114.
In Review:Wallage, Z.E., Holden, J., Jones, T.D., & McDonald, A.T. Microbial activity & dissolved organic carbon production potential in drained and restored blanket peat. Submitted to J Hydrol June 2009.
Holden, J., Wallage, Z.E., Keylock, C.J., Lane, S.N., & McDonald, A.T. Water table dynamics in drained & restored blanket peat. Submitted to J Hydrol June 2009.