Description.

This methodology establishes a framework for quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and removals resulting from the treatment of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater environments. HABs are characterised by the rapid proliferation of algae or cyanobacteria, which may pose risks to human health, animal life, and local ecosystems.

The methodology specifies the procedures for quantifying GHG removals associated with both inorganic and organic carbon. These removals are achieved through the induction of programmed cell death (PCD) in algal cells, followed by the sedimentation of the resulting biomass. Additionally, the methodology enables the estimation of avoided methane emissions that would otherwise occur in the absence of HAB treatment interventions.