Month: October 2024

Pandey et al. (2024): Sedimentary organic matter signature hints at the phytoplankton-driven biological carbon pump in the central Arabian Sea

Medhavi Pandey, Haimanti Biswas, Daniel Birgel, Nicole Burdanowitz, Birgit Gaye IN: Biogeosciences, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4681-2024

In this study, the authors attempt to interlink how these factors collectively impact phytodetrital export to the sediment. Short sediment core-top (1 cm) samples representing the recent particle flux signatures were analysed from five locations (21 to 11° N; 64° E) in the central Arabian Sea. Previously, they used core-top (0–0.5 cm) samples and observed a trend between diatom frustule abundance and diversity with bulk sedimentary parameters indicating a spatial variability in phytodetrital export to the sediment. To verify this observation further, lipid biomarkers of key phytoplankton groups and a sea surface temperature (SST) proxy have been analysed in addition to diatom frustules.

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Mistry et al. (2024): Technical note: Comparison of radiometric techniques for estimating recent organic carbon sequestration rates in inland wetland soils

Purbasha Mistry, Irena F. Creed, Charles G. Trick, Eric Enanga, David A. Lobb IN: Biogeosciences, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-21-4699-2024

Dating using cesium-137 (137Cs) and lead-210 (210Pb) radioisotopes is commonly used for measuring OC sequestration rates in wetland sediments. 137Cs radioisotope dating is relatively simple, with calculations based on a single point representing the onset (1954) or peak (1963) of the 137Cs fallout. 210Pb radioisotope dating is more complex, as the calculations are based on multiple points. Here, the authors show that reliable dating of sediment cores collected from wetlands can be achieved using either 137Cs or 210Pb dating or their combination. 

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Ravindiran et al. (2024): Production and modifications of biochar to engineered materials and its application for environmental sustainability: a review

Gokulan Ravindiran, Sivarethinamohan Rajamanickam, Gorti Janardhan, Gasim Hayder, Avinash Alagumalai, Omid Mahian, Su Shiung Lam, Christian Sonne IN: Biochar, https://doi.org/10.1007/s42773-024-00350-1

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the various feedstocks used in biochar production, the different types of thermal degradation processes, biochar characterization, properties, modifications to engineered materials, and their applications in the environment. The quality of biochar, including surface area, pore size and volume, and functional group formation, is significantly influenced by the specific conditions under which thermal conversion takes place. Each of the diverse processes employed to produce biochar yields a distinct set of properties in the final product.

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Nature – Lai et al. (2024): Terrestrial photosynthesis inferred from plant carbonyl sulfide uptake

Jiameng Lai, Linda M. J. Kooijmans, Wu Sun, Danica Lombardozzi, J. Elliott Campbell, Lianhong Gu, Yiqi Luo, Le Kuai, Ying Sun IN: Nature, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08050-3

Here the authors infer GPP from carbonyl sulfide, an innovative tracer for CO2 diffusion from ambient air to leaf chloroplasts through stomata and mesophyll layers. They demonstrate that explicitly representing mesophyll diffusion is important for accurately quantifying the spatiotemporal dynamics of carbonyl sulfide uptake by plants. 

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Nature – Prentice et al. (2024): Principles for satellite monitoring of vegetation carbon uptake

I. Colin Prentice, Manuela Balzarolo, Keith J. Bloomfield, Jing M. Chen, Benjamin Dechant, Darren Ghent, Ivan A. Janssens, Xiangzhong Luo, Catherine Morfopoulos, Youngryel Ryu, Sara Vicca, Roel van Hoolst IN: Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43017-024-00601-6

Remote-sensing-based numerical models harness satellite-borne measurements of light absorption by vegetation to estimate global patterns and trends in gross primary production (GPP) — the basis of the terrestrial carbon cycle. In this Perspective, the authors discuss the challenges in estimating GPP using these models and explore ways to improve their reliability.

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Mühlbauer et al. (2024): Techno-economic insights and deployment prospects of permanent carbon dioxide sequestration in solid carbonates

Andreas Mühlbauer, Dominik Keiner, Christian Breyer IN: Energy & Environmental Science, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE03166K

An in-depth techno-economic analysis of differentiated sequestration options for carbon dioxide (CO2) in solid carbonates is not yet available, as direct air capture-based mineralisation is usually aggregated in direct air capture and carbon sequestration. This research gap is closed by studying mineralisation as a key carbon dioxide removal (CDR) option to sequester atmospheric CO2 permanently, based on available literature. The most frequently discussed routes for mineralisation, i.e.in situex situ mineralisation, and enhanced rock weathering, are examined. The deployment potentials of these options are determined globally for nine major regions.

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Gandhi et al. (2024): Blue Carbon as a Potent Strategy in the Pathway to Achieve Net Zero

Ekta Gandhi, Ann Francis , Hishmi Jamil Husain IN: Vision, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1177/09722629241285987

Notably, investing in blue carbon, which encompasses ecosystems like mangroves, tidal and salt marshes, seagrasses can serve as a powerful tool in combatting climate change. While technological innovations are a focus, nature-based solutions, particularly the preservation and reclamation of blue carbon ecosystems, can offer an expedient, sustainable and less expensive approach. This research article aims to establish the significance of investing in blue carbon initiatives.

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Brutschin et al. (2024): Drivers and attitudes of public support for technological solutions to climate change in 30 countries

Elina Brutschin, Chad M Baum, Livia Fritz, Sean Low, Benjamin K Sovacool, Keywan Riahi IN: Environmental Research Letters, 19, https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad7c67

Some experts contend that addressing global climate challenges requires consideration of technologies such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and, possibly, Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). Previous studies, primarily centered on the OECD region, have indicated that most of these technologies are contentious, eliciting low levels of public support. In this study, a set of nationally representative surveys examining seven CDR and three SRM technologies in 30 countries have been conducted.

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Nature – Peng et al. (2024): Carbon restoration potential on global land under water resource constraints

Shouzhang Peng, César Terrer, Benjamin Smith, Philippe Ciais, Qinggong Han, Jialan Nan, Joshua B. Fisher, Liang Chen, Lei Deng, Kailiang Yu IN: Nature Water, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00323-5

The carbon sequestration potential of ecosystem restoration, defined as the maximum achievable carbon storage, has likely been overestimated because previous studies have not adequately accounted for the competition between ecosystem water demands for maximizing carbon sequestration and human water needs. Here we used a comprehensive process-based model combined with extensive land-use data and evaporation recycling accounting for land–atmosphere feedback to estimate the water requirements associated with ecosystem restoration.

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Nature – Li al. (2024): Increased precipitation has not enhanced the carbon sequestration of afforestation in Northwest China

Xintao Li, Ke Xia, Taixia Wu, Shudong Wang, Hongzhao Tang, Chenchao Xiao, Hongwu Tang, Nan Xu, Dongzhen Jia IN: Communications Earth & Environment, 5, https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01733-9

Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of large-scale afforestation in semi-arid regions due to potential water constraints. Using multi-source remote sensing data, this study investigated whether increased humidity in the semi-arid regions of northwest China could sustain the continued expansion of afforestation efforts

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