Articles tagged with Carbon Sequestration
Researchers used foam-entrapped supercritical CO2 to prevent stored carbon from moving back to the surface. The approach shows promise for enhancing oil recovery and reducing CO2 migration.
Longer winter sea ice duration is associated with a 20% increase in atmospheric CO2 absorption by the Southern Ocean. Sea ice protects the ocean from strong winds, allowing it to absorb more CO2 during winter.
Researchers argue that nature-based solutions like restoring forests and ecosystems are necessary for achieving global climate goals. High-tech CDR methods can complement, not compete with, these natural approaches. A balanced approach is key to meeting the Paris Agreement's temperature goal in a sustainable manner.
Researchers have developed a method to convert carbon dioxide into methanol, a versatile compound used in fuels and plastics. The process involves hydrogenating CO2 with the help of catalysts, which can produce e-fuels that are sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to boost the efficiency of electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and release by introducing a simple intermediate step that facilitates both capture and release. The new method uses nanofiltration membranes to separate ions in the solution based on their charge, allowing for more effici...
A new study from Cornell University suggests that most regenerative farming practices, including cover crops, may actually reduce crop yields in many situations. However, the researchers found that certain combinations of practices can benefit both climate mitigation and crop yields, depending on location.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have developed a method to restore tens of thousands of oil and gas exploration sites in western Canada using native moss. The technique involves transplanting moss onto decommissioned well pads, effectively recreating peatlands and supporting ecosystem development.
A new study finds that ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in German waters is feasible but with limitations, such as local marine conditions and required materials, energy, and infrastructure. Only five methods were shortlisted for implementation in German North Sea and Baltic waters.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
Researchers have mapped Colombia's eastern lowlands to identify areas of peatlands, a crucial carbon storage system that can help reduce the country's emissions. The study found an estimated 7,370-36,200 square kilometers of peatlands, with potential to store more carbon than all the world's trees.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed new materials for direct air capture, making it cheaper and more scalable. The study found that certain materials, such as aluminum oxide and activated carbon, can capture CO2 efficiently, paving the way for more accessible carbon capture technologies.
Scientists have developed genome sequences for five duckweed species, revealing genes behind the plant's unique traits and versatility. The research holds promise for commercial applications, including carbon capture technology and biofuel production.
Antarctic krill exhibit sudden changes in behavior when exposed to the water-borne smell of penguin poo, showing increased speed, turns, and reduced foraging efficiency. This 'zigzagging' is an avoidance reaction that may increase their odds of survival in a swarm.
Researchers found that restored peatlands with thick Sphagnum moss layers can sequester up to 48 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare, exceeding expectations. This growth is particularly observed in nutrient-poor sites, which could also mitigate methane emissions.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative building material that can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. By converting CO2 into solid, durable materials using electricity and seawater, the material not only stores CO2 but also produces clean hydrogen gas.
A study using a unique moored platform in the Sargasso Sea found that hurricanes can transport sediments from shallow-water reefs to the deep ocean, affecting the environment for weeks. The study demonstrated how much of an impact hurricanes can have on the deep environment, with significant effects lasting for near decades.
Researchers at TU Wien have developed a process to recover nickel from spent batteries and convert it into a nanocatalyst that reduces CO2 into valuable methane. This innovation has the potential to reduce waste and provide a sustainable fuel source.
Researchers from the University of Oxford challenge the long-held assumption that water temperature determines the efficiency of ocean carbon capture. The study highlights the need for standardized data collection methods and improved monitoring in polar regions to better understand this critical process.
A new study suggests that reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could lead to an expansion of native woodland, sequestering one million tonnes of CO2 each year. This could help address the UK's carbon removal target and contribute to climate recovery.
A recent report by Colorado State University reveals that the state's forests are emitting more carbon than they absorb, primarily due to insect and disease impacts. The study estimated that Colorado's forests stored 1,558 teragrams of carbon between 2010 and 2019.
A new study challenges conventional models and reveals biochar's exceptional capacity for long-term carbon storage. Biochar is shown to be far more effective at long-term carbon storage than previously thought.
A recent study found that extreme climate events in fall 2022 pushed thousands of lakes in West Greenland across a tipping point, leading to changes in water quality, chemical properties, and biodiversity. The lakes, which previously provided drinking water and sequestered carbon, now emit more carbon dioxide.
A new study has found that diversified cropping systems can increase nitrogen supply in the soil, but do not lead to increased soil carbon levels. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, used stable carbon isotopes to analyze soil core emissions and found that decomposition rates were higher in longer rotations.
A new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University suggests that storing carbon in buildings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers calculated that using carbonated aggregates to make concrete could absorb a gigaton of CO2 annually.
International team of scientists calculates total land area for climate action plans, revealing a big divide between expected and actual potential. The plans could lead to major conflicts over land use, exacerbating problems with high-intensity agriculture and unsustainable land use.
A Dartmouth-led study suggests using clay to convert CO2 into food for zooplankton, which expel it as carbon-filled feces in the deep sea. This method accelerates the ocean's natural cycle for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
A research team led by Virginia Tech will test the geologic conditions at the Roanoke Cement Plant for storing 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year for three decades. The project aims to prevent estimated 50 million metric tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that increasing plant diversity through undersown species can improve soil health and carbon sequestration. The researchers discovered that even small improvements in carbon retention capacity can be significant, as much land has been harnessed for food production.
Scientists have discovered microscopic marine organisms producing 'parachute-like' mucus structures that slow their sinking, stalling carbon dioxide absorption from the atmosphere. This finding may have overestimated the ocean's carbon sequestration potential, but also paves the way for improving climate models.
Researchers discovered that structural changes and mass transfer play a crucial role in the carbonation process of cement-based materials. The study found that lower humidity conditions and high Ca/Si ratios result in smaller pores, suppressing ion leaching and improving carbonation efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to developin...
Researchers have discovered a novel type of wood that is highly efficient at carbon storage, thanks to its unique macrofibril structure. This discovery may lead to the development of new plantation forests capable of capturing large quantities of carbon dioxide.
Researchers have found that the Southern Ocean absorbs 25% more carbon dioxide than previously estimated. The new study used direct measurements to assess existing flux products in the Southern Ocean.
A new study suggests that using a combination of smaller impermeable barriers, known as a 'composite confining system,' can effectively trap CO2 for long-term storage. This approach is considered more efficient than traditional caprock-sealed reservoirs, which can be prone to leaks.
Scientists have developed a nanocomposite material with sodium carbonate and nanocarbon to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The new material shows high CO2 capture capacity and can be regenerated for up to 10 cycles, reducing energy consumption.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a technique for ultrafast formation of carbon dioxide hydrates, which can store carbon in the ocean and prevent it from being released into the atmosphere. This breakthrough could make carbon storage more accessible and feasible on a global scale.
Researchers have discovered ancient termite mounds in Namaqualand, South Africa that date back a staggering 34,000 years. The mounds, which are still inhabited by termites, provide valuable insights into prehistoric climate conditions and natural carbon sequestration processes.
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a biocatalyzed carboxylation reaction using Thermoplasma acidophilum malic enzyme to fix CO2, increasing the yield and sustainability of the process. The method can be tailored for selective synthesis of wider carboxylation products, unlocking new avenues for renewable resources.
A new study suggests that tropical forests can overcome the challenge of scarce nutrients by adjusting their strategies for acquiring phosphorus. Forests of different ages respond differently to nutrient additions, with younger forests investing in nitrogen-based strategies and older forests relying on phosphatase to access phosphorus.
A new study reveals that the shape and depth of ocean floors significantly influence carbon sequestration, with bathymetry accounting for up to 50% of changes over 80 million years. This understanding can inform marine-based carbon dioxide removal technologies and aid in searching for habitable planets.
A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.
Research published in Global Change Biology indicates that a single hurricane can down 4.6–9.4% of New England's aboveground forest carbon. The study also shows that current carbon market policies are insufficiently buffered against the risks posed by hurricanes, which could lead to catastrophic emissions
A recent study published in Science reveals a vast store of global soil inorganic carbon (SIC) amounting to 2,305 billion tons, surpassing vegetation's combined carbon content. This 'hidden pool' is vulnerable to environmental changes, posing significant risks to ecosystem functions and climate change mitigation strategies.
The Indian Institute of Science has developed new concrete materials using excavated soil, reducing the need for natural sand and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The innovative materials show improved compressive strength and reduced waste, offering a scalable solution to the construction sector's environmental challenges.
The European Union has launched the €5.5 million SEA-Quester project to investigate carbon cycling in novel marine polar ecosystems due to climate change. The project aims to improve understanding of 'polar blue carbon' through field observations, remote sensing, and modelling.
A new process using artificial intelligence (AI) predicts carbon cycles in agroecosystems, surpassing traditional models in accuracy and speed. This breakthrough enables fair and accurate compensation for farmers, fostering trust in carbon markets and promoting sustainable practices.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
Researchers developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.
A recent study from Carnegie Mellon University estimates the time required to develop, approve, and implement a geologic sequestration site in the US, identifying six clearance points that must be passed for a site to become operational. The findings suggest that on average, there is a 90% probability that the time required for a site ...
A new study from Utah State University reveals that geese have a greater impact on Arctic ecosystems than previously thought, while reindeer only exert a smaller influence. The research found that goose grazing in concentrated patches leads to significant reductions in plant biomass and soil compaction.
A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...
Researchers have developed an ion-exchange method that captures CO2 at room temperature, paired with an electrochemical cell to purify the gas. The technology has the potential to be powered by industrial waste heat or geothermal energy, reducing emissions and costs.
Recent US legislation aims to increase fire management and tree planting to reduce large destructive fires and promote carbon sequestration. Fuel reduction activities are projected to remove 194-288 million metric tons of carbon from western forests over the next decade.
Oregon State University scientists used forest modeling to determine that a site's productivity is the main factor in maximizing above-ground carbon sequestration. The study found that 60-year rotations with low-intensity thinning are optimal for highly productive stands, while longer rotations of 80-120 years are better for less produ...
Researchers have created high-resolution maps showing the potential for biochar to sequester large amounts of carbon, with Bhutan and India leading the way in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that biochar production can remove up to one billion metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere annually.
A new method estimates the benefit of carbon stored because of forest conservation, enabling direct comparison of projects. The technique generates incentives for safeguarding forests long after credits have been issued.
A new tree forensics project, Gigante, aims to investigate the deaths of large tropical trees using drone surveys and on-the-ground observations. The team expects to identify the causes of death for up to 10,000 trees over three years, shedding light on the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems.
The Department of Energy's Office of Science has selected five Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists for the Early Career Research Program. The awardees include Matthew Brahlek, Jack Cahill, Eugene Dumitrescu, and two additional researchers. Their research focuses on creating new chiral systems, elucidating genes associated with bio...
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that diatoms and coccolithophores, two key phytoplankton groups, can tolerate increased ocean alkalinity without significant harm. The treatment can speed up the geologic process of carbon sequestration, reducing acidity in oceans.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
A new Stanford-led study quantifies the value of Belize's coastal mangrove forests in terms of carbon storage, tourism, and fisheries benefits. The findings suggest that relatively small amounts of mangrove restoration can have big economic benefits, while also providing protection against coastal storms and other risks.