Md Shamsuzzaman

Research Project Title: Restoring Ireland’s natural carbon stores: the impact of restoration on Net Ecosystem CO2 Exchange (NEE) from degraded peatlands

Supervisors/s: Dr. Owen Naughton, Dr Ultan Mc Carthy

Project Funding: South East Regional Development PhD Scholarship (SERD)

 

 

  • Biography
  • Research Project Description
  • Publications and Outputs

Biography

My name is Md Shamsuzzaman, and I am a PhD student at SETU Carlow, where I am studying the ecohydrology of drained peatlands undergoing restoration. Growing up in Bangladesh, I discovered my passion for ecosystem research while studying the biogeochemistry of paddy soils as an undergraduate in soil science. After earning a degree in business and project management in Finland, I pursued natural resource management and aquatic ecology. Fieldwork in Norway and Iceland on forest and
aquatic ecology projects reaffirmed my commitment to ecosystem research, leading me to enroll in a research master’s program in forest and peatland ecology at the University of Helsinki in Finland in 2016.

During my master’s studies, I realized the critical role peatlands play in worldwide carbon storage and climate change mitigation. As a research assistant, I developed skills in field experiments and data analytics, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Big Data Analytics in 2019. I joined Teagasc, the Irish Agricultural and Food Development Authority, as a research technologist in 2020, where I developed a decision support tool for crop production mapping. Now, as a PhD student, I am continuing my research into peatland ecosystem restoration. My goal is to become an expert in this field and contribute to policymaking in ecosystem research.

 

Research Project Description

My research project focuses on the need for extensive restoration of degraded peatlands in Ireland to mitigate carbon emissions and achieve national and
international climate targets. The research aims to quantify the variations in Net Ecosystem CO2 Exchange (NEE) in a restored degraded peatland and identify the causal
relationships between ecohydrology and NEE. The study will assess the link between ecohydrology and carbon dynamics in degraded raised bogs before and after
restoration, and evaluate the management implications of restoring degraded peatlands as carbon sink ecosystems. The findings of this study will contribute to a
better understanding of the carbon sequestration potential of restored peatlands and inform policy decisions for achieving a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy.

Publications and Outputs

  • Hellsten, T., Karlsson, J., Shamsuzzaman, M., & Pulkkis, G. (2021). The Potential of Computer Vision-Based Marker-Less Human Motion Analysis for Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation Process and Outcome, 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/11795727211022330.
    Summary
    : This paper provides a critical overview of recent computer vision-based marker-less human pose estimation systems and their potential for rehabilitation applications. The review examines the accuracy and ease of use of various techniques, with a focus on joint localization and knee angle measurement. The authors conclude that 3D marker-less pose estimation based on a single view is the most promising technique for physiotherapy applications, but rigorous testing is necessary to validate accuracy before widespread adoption.
  • Shamsuzzaman, M. (2019). Spatial variation of soil respiration on a drained peatland: A case study from Lettosuo-peatland, Finland. Helda, University of Helsinki, Finland.
    Summary: This study investigates the spatial variation of soil respiration (Rs) and its relationship with explanatory factors in a drained peatland in Finland. Soil respiration, soil temperature, and water-table level were measured at 98 sampling plots from May to August 2017. The results show that the mean rate of CO2 efflux was 0.49 ± 0.1 g CO2 m-2 h-1 at 13.51 ± 0.8 °C. Multiple linear models indicate that about 18% of the spatial variation of Rs could be explained by soil temperature, water-table level, and ditch distance collectively, but only water-table level could explain 12% variation alone. The spatial variability of soil respiration was mainly driven by the variability in water-table level.
  • Shamsuzzaman, M. (2016) Arsenic Contaminated Groundwater in Bangladesh: A Threat to Human Health and A Source of Drinking Water, Theseus, Finland.
    Summary: This paper explores the issue of groundwater contamination by arsenic in Bangladesh, which is a significant threat to human health and a source of drinking water. The paper discusses the recent arsenic contamination status and its relation to over-exploitation of groundwater, as well as the age of tube wells. A survey of 2435 tube wells in three villages showed that 22% were arsenic contaminated, and analysis indicated a relation with over-exploitation but not the age of the wells. Further studies are needed to address the issue and find sources of safe drinking water.
  • Shamsuzzaman, M. (2014) Customer satisfaction Case: National Life Insurance Company Limited, Khulna Branch, Theseus, Finland.
    Summary: The study aimed to assess the level of customer satisfaction and provide recommendations to improve the services of National Life Insurance Company Limited, Khulna Branch. A quantitative survey method was employed using questionnaires distributed among customers, with questions related to customer satisfaction. The results indicated that the current business strategies of the company were not positively impacting customer satisfaction. Customers suggested taking actions to improve customer service, staff training, technology application, service environment, and trustworthiness. The study highlights the importance of fulfilling customer needs to compete effectively in the market.