Catharine PschenyckyjTeesside University · Department of Science and Environment
Catharine Pschenyckyj
PhD
Peatland biogeochemist and Lecturer in Environmental Sciences.
About
8
Publications
1,132
Reads
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11
Citations
Citations since 2017
Introduction
Main research interests evolve around soil sciences, specifically peatland biogeochemistry, as well as inland water quality and sustainable forestry management.
Email: c.pschenyckyj@tees.ac.uk
Additional affiliations
December 2019 - December 2021
Position
- PostDoc Position
Description
- Working to understand the effects of and inform on mitigation strategies for peat extraction (Swamp project) and forestry (Reform Water project).
January 2019 - December 2019
September 2014 - September 2017
Education
September 2014 - December 2018
September 2010 - July 2014
Publications
Publications (8)
This poster summarises results of a survey of small bodies in the Irish midlands and investigates the impacts of peatland extraction on water quality. This work was undertaken as part of the SWAMP project, funded by the EPA.
The SWAMP project aims to investigate the pressures on Irish waters from
rained/extracted peatlands and develop mitigation measures in order to protect water quality from pollutants such as Dissolved Organic Carbon and Ammonia. This will improve our understanding of the extent and status of mitigation measures in the peat extraction sector, how to...
This report is part of a detailed scoping study to:
-Provide an in depth literature review of peatlands in Ireland covering the following topics: 1) rewetting degraded peatlands; 2) carbon sequestration; 3) social value of peatlands; 4) alternative management options.
-Provide strategic guidance and identify resources for future integrated managem...
This synthesis report summarises the detailed scoping report published here: https://mail.thewaterforum.ie/app/uploads/2021/03/Peatlands_Full_Report_Final_Feb2021.pdf
This project was funded by Fóram Uisce (The Irish Water Forum).
This policy brief summarises the detailed scoping report published here: https://mail.thewaterforum.ie/app/uploads/2021/03/Peatlands_Full_Report_Final_Feb2021.pdf. This project was funded by Fóram Uisce (The Irish Water Forum).
What is the problem? There is widespread evidence that drained peatlands used for peat extraction (horticulture/domestic turf cutting) and commercial forestry can negatively affect the delivery of water related ecosystem services. Solutions are urgently required to satisfy not only Ireland's international commitments with regards to EU laws but for...
Over the past 30-40 years, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations have increased in soil solutions and surface waters in many acid-sensitive areas of Europe and North America. This has been linked to recovery from acidification in response to decreasing levels of atmospheric pollution. Evidence from radiocarbon dating suggests that DOC in su...
Projects
Projects (3)
This project aims to undertake a detailed scoping study to:
-Provide an in depth literature review of peatlands in Ireland covering the following topics: 1) rewetting degraded peatlands; 2) carbon sequestration; 3) social value of peatlands; 4) alternative management options.
-Provide strategic guidance and identify resources for future integrated management of peatlands.
This project was funded by Fóram Uisce (The Irish Water Forum).
The overarching aim of this study is to investigate less invasive practices to reduce the harmful effects of peatland forest management on inland waters under the increased demands for tree biomass and the threat of climate change.
Recent evidence show clear recovery from acidification of soils in response to decreasing levels of atmospheric pollution. This has been linked to the observed increase in Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) concentration in soil solutions and surface water bodies over the past 30 years, as DOC solubility increases with increasing pH.
The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of acidity on DOC quality and quantity in organic soils. This research is built upon an existing long-term pH manipulation field experiment in contrasting upland moorland areas of historical pollution; North Wales and the Peak District.
Samples including decomposing surface litter, soil and soil pore water samples were collected monthly and analysed for chemical and biological variables alongside the implementation of a decomposition experiment using the litter bag technique and the Tea Bag Index.
This research is funded by the University of Reading (Faculty of Science Studentship), Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Natural Environment Research Council and British Society of Soil Science.
