Influence of Land Use and Cover Transformations on Ecosystem Carbon Storage over Gandak River Basin, India
This study investigates the changes in land use/land cover (LULC) and their impact on ecosystem carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas (GHG) dynamics, and environmental sustainability in the Gandak River Basin (GRB), India, focusing on the period between 2014 and 2024.LULC changes significantly influence ecosystem functions, including carbon storage potential, biodiversity, and air quality regulation.Using Google Earth Engine (GEE)-based machine learning (ML) algorithms for LULC classification, the study identified substantial transformations in land cover patterns.In 2014, the basin was predominantly covered by agricultural land, followed by forests, water bodies, and urban areas.By 2024, rapid urbanization and infrastructural expansion caused a corresponding decline in farming and the forested regions.Using the InVEST model, carbon storage estimates revealed a net increase of 23,415,542.10Mg of carbon (C) over the decade, primarily attributed to improved agricultural management, afforestation initiatives, and soil carbon enhancement.However, intensified urban growth and industrialization led to higher emissions of GHGs, including formaldehyde (HCHO), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO), and carbon dioxide (CO), contributing to degraded air quality and increased regional warming potential.Elevated concentrations of these gases were closely linked to forest loss, declining vegetation cover, soil degradation, and growing anthropogenic pressures, highlighting the dual challenge of enhancing carbon sequestration while mitigating environmental risks.This study underscores the importance of integrated and sustainable LULC planning to control emissions, enhance carbon storage, and reduce the basin's vulnerability to climate change.These findings provide critical insights for policymakers to formulate evidence-based strategies that promote eco-friendly development, resource conservation, and climate resilience in the GRB.
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