Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from duckweed cultivation systems using diluted liquid manure
Researchers report that Lemna minor grown on diluted cattle slurry fixes CO2 and reduces ammonia volatilization by >80%, but produces high nitrous oxide and early methane peaks; estimated duckweed protein GHG intensity (3.54–6.54 kg CO2eq per kg protein) is comparable to faba bean and barley, indicating sustainable-protein potential with a clear need for N2O mitigation; study funded by Mercator Foundation Switzerland and Vontobel Foundation.
Why it mattersHigh nitrous oxide emissions from slurry-grown duckweed imply regulators must require mitigation measures for fertilizer-derived systems.