Local researchers in Galway plan to measure the impact of gaseous releases from Ireland’s cows on global warming.
The School of Physics at NUIG has invited tenders for a research and development service to develop a “combined measurement and modelling system to verify CH4 sources and sinks over Ireland”.
CH4 or methane gas, according to research, is many times more powerful than carbon dioxide and contributes to greenhouse gases and global warming.
A cow can emit between 25 and 50 gallons of methane each day through belching and flatulence.
Methane is also emitted through industry, human activity such as gas leaks, as well as naturally through wetlands.
The project is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and is expected to take place over 14 months.
