Assessment of Carbon Sequestration and Reflective Properties of High-Albedo C3 and C4 Plant Species: A Laboratory Approach

Abstract

This study explores the dual potential of high-albedo C3 and C4 plant species to mitigate regional climate change through carbon sequestration and reflective properties. C3 and C4 plants differ in their photosynthetic pathways, carbon sequestration capacities, and albedo characteristics, influencing their impact on local and global climates. The research assesses selected high-albedo tropi cal plant and grass species, aiming to identify optimal plant characteristics for carbon capture while reflecting sunlight to reduce surface heat absorption. Laboratory methods were employed to measure chlorophyll content, a key indicator of carbon sequestra tion, and albedo using spectrophotometry and radiometry. The results revealed significant variability in chlorophyll content, with Mango (17.705 mg/L), Bamboo (16.550 mg/L), and Napier Grass (16.079 mg/L) exhibiting the highest levels, indicating their strong carbon sequestration potential. Reflectance measurements showed that Mango, Bamboo, and Napier Grass also had the highest albedo values (~0.795), suggesting their potential to reflect solar radiation and contribute to localized cooling. Papyrus Reeds dem onstrated the lowest reflectance (0.636) and chlorophyll content, indicating limited potential in both carbon sequestration and solar reflectance. A regression analysis confirmed a significant relationship between reflectance and chlorophyll content, suggesting that high-albedo plants with efficient carbon sequestration are key for climate change mitigation. The findings highlight the importance of selecting plant species with high photosynthetic efficiency and reflectance for reforestation and agroforestry programs aimed at reducing atmospheric CO₂ and mitigating local temperature rise.