Natural environment – Page 8
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ResearchRising human carbon dioxide emissions offset by plants – for now
Terrestrial sinks are soaking up extra carbon dioxide but scientists warn this won’t go on forever
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Halting the flow of microplastics
Most wastewater treatment plants are unable to deal with small litter particles, researchers find
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Miracle material potential water pollutant
Researchers demonstrate toxic effects of graphene on aquatic life
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Primitive microbe may offer a hotbed of methane
Microbe digests complex compounds from coal and turns them into methane
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Plastics synthesis goes green
Enzyme-catalysed polymerisation could lead to sustainable plastics
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Soil sponge soaking up far less carbon dioxide than expected
Geochemistry experiments suggest the climate might warm more than current models suggest
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Ring-locking holds the key to levoglucosan production
Functionalising sugars could help to unlock the potential of biomass in chemical synthesis
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Carbonate solvent makes for greener leather
Propylene carbonate helps to reduce amount of wastewater generated during leather tanning
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Bubble-wrapped composite boils water in the cold light of day
School science project inspires cheaper way to desalinate water
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Naturally occurring MOFs found in coal mine minerals
Rare minerals overturn conventional wisdom that metal–organic frameworks are only found in the lab
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Mystery of black blotches on Smithsonian museum cleared up
Discolouration of iconic Washington, DC, building’s red stone is all down to a manganese oxide-rich rock varnish
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Greenland shark is world's longest lived vertebrate
Radiocarbon dating reveals elusive Arctic sharks could live to more than 400-years-old
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Pigeons used to map lead pollution in cities
Researchers find lead levels in pigeons mirror those of children in New York City
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Mineral hydrogel points to new recyclable plastics
Calcium carbonate hydrogel can be moulded, hardened and recycled – just add water
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Antarctic ozone layer is on the mend
Treaty brought in to tackle CFCs has visible impact on ozone healing
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Solar-powered desalination produces energy
Silver, silica and titania nanocomposite converts seawater into pure drinking water and hydrogen gas
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Uncovering the hidden nanoparticle dangers on dusty streets
Nanoparticles from street dust contribute to potentially hazardous air pollution in mega-cities
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Old CDs recycled into valuable plastic
One pot technique can turn polycarbonates into polymer used in specialist engineering and medical roles
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Computer program pins down carbon capturing ionic liquids
Simulations take guesswork out of finding optimal conditions for CO2 capture
