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| Open AccessDiesel soot photooxidation enhances the heterogeneous formation of H2SO4
Potential source of H2SO4 remains unclear in the atmosphere. This work first demonstrates that the formation of photoinduced •OH radical can directly promote the heterogeneous conversion of SO2 to H2SO4 on real diesel soot under light irradiation, extending the known sources of atmospheric H2SO4.
- Peng Zhang
- , Tianzeng Chen
- & Hong He
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Article
| Open AccessGrave-to-cradle upcycling of Ni from electroplating wastewater to photothermal CO2 catalysis
The valorization of undesirable substrates offers a two-fold strategy for pollution remediation and renewable energy conversion. Here, authors demonstrate the scavenging of Ni from electroplating wastewater and subsequent utilization as materials for photothermal CO2 reduction.
- Shenghua Wang
- , Dake Zhang
- & Geoffrey A. Ozin
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Article
| Open AccessA central arctic extreme aerosol event triggered by a warm air-mass intrusion
Warm and moist air-mass intrusions into the Arctic are more frequent than the past decades. Here, the authors show that warm air mass intrusions from northern Eurasia inject record amounts of aerosols into the central Arctic Ocean strongly impacting atmospheric chemistry and cloud properties.
- Lubna Dada
- , Hélène Angot
- & Julia Schmale
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Article
| Open AccessModern groundwater reaches deeper depths in heavily pumped aquifer systems
Decades-old groundwater is vulnerable to pollution from land uses. This work shows that decades old groundwater flows to deep depths where groundwater pumping is more intense, implying that groundwater pumping can endanger deep groundwater quality.
- Melissa Thaw
- , Merhawi GebreEgziabher
- & Scott Jasechko
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Article
| Open AccessLarge contribution of fossil-derived components to aqueous secondary organic aerosols in China
Isotope fingerprinting is used to track precursor sources and formation pathways of aqueous SOA, such as oxalic acid, finding that fossil fuel precursors contributions have largely been underestimated.
- Buqing Xu
- , Gan Zhang
- & Guoying Sheng
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| Open AccessThe emerging role of drought as a regulator of dissolved organic carbon in boreal landscapes
Long-term records from boreal streams indicate strong seasonal redistributions of dissolved organic carbon concentrations and quality linked to the severity of summer drought conditions
- Tejshree Tiwari
- , Ryan A. Sponseller
- & Hjalmar Laudon
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| Open AccessCo-benefits of CO2 emission reduction from China’s clean air actions between 2013-2020
China’s clean air action stimulated a net accumulative reduction of 2.43 Gt CO2 emission from 2013-2020. Phase-out and upgrades of outdated, polluting, and inefficient combustion facilities have promoted the transition of the country’s energy system.
- Qinren Shi
- , Bo Zheng
- & Qiang Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessTowards critical white ice conditions in lakes under global warming
Under continued global warming, lakes will increasingly be covered by white ice, in particular towards the end of the ice cover season when fatal winter drownings occur most often and light limits the growth and reproduction of primary producers.
- Gesa A. Weyhenmeyer
- , Ulrike Obertegger
- & Roman Zdorovennov
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| Open AccessSelf-cycled photo-Fenton-like system based on an artificial leaf with a solar-to-H2O2 conversion efficiency of 1.46%
Continuous generation of reactive oxygen species is desirable in the advanced oxidation process. Here, the authors report a self-cycled photoFenton-like with a scalable artificial leaf for production of H2O2 from water with solar-to-H2O2 efficiency of 1.46%.
- Chaoran Dong
- , Yilong Yang
- & Kan Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessDestabilisation of the Subpolar North Atlantic prior to the Little Ice Age
Bivalves reveal that the subpolar North Atlantic destabilised and shows signs of having crossed a tipping point during the transition into the Little Ice Age.
- Beatriz Arellano-Nava
- , Paul R. Halloran
- & Timothy M. Lenton
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Article
| Open AccessCatalytic ozone decomposition and adsorptive VOCs removal in bimetallic metal-organic frameworks
Warm-season O3 pollution has been increasingly frequent worldwide in the past few years, exposing a threat to human health as well as the natural environment. Here, the authors showcase a stable MOF which can not only effectively capture various airborne VOCs, but decompose trace O3 in ambient air.
- Chen Dong
- , Jia-Jia Yang
- & Jian-Rong Li
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Article
| Open AccessMercury isotope evidence for Arctic summertime re-emission of mercury from the cryosphere
Arctic warming thaws permafrost, leading to enhanced soil mercury transport to the Arctic Ocean. Mercury isotope signatures in arctic rivers, ocean and atmosphere suggest that permafrost mercury is buried in marine sediment and not emitted to the global atmosphere
- Beatriz Ferreira Araujo
- , Stefan Osterwalder
- & Jeroen E. Sonke
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Article
| Open AccessAnionic nanoplastic exposure induces endothelial leakiness
In this study, the authors report that anionic nanoplastics can harness the paracellular space of endothelial cells and puncture blood vasculature ex vivo and in vivo, thereby entailing new environmental and health implications.
- Wei Wei
- , Yuhuan Li
- & Pu Chun Ke
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Article
| Open AccessHigh activity and selectivity of single palladium atom for oxygen hydrogenation to H2O2
Nanosized Pd-based catalysts are widely used in the direct hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis from H2 and O2, while the selectivity and yield of H2O2 remain inferior. Here, a remarkable H2O2 yield of 115 mol/gPd/h and H2O2 selectivity higher than 99% are reported using a Pd single-atom catalyst for the direct synthesis of H2O2.
- Shiming Yu
- , Xing Cheng
- & Ge Chen
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Article
| Open AccessStrikingly distinctive NH3-SCR behavior over Cu-SSZ-13 in the presence of NO2
Cu-SSZ-13 zeolites are highly active for standard NH3-SCR, but their activity is unexpectedly inhibited in the presence of NO2. This work demonstrates that strong oxidation by NO2 forces Cu ions to exist mainly as CuII species with low mobility, which is responsible for this distinctive behavior.
- Yulong Shan
- , Guangzhi He
- & Hong He
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Article
| Open AccessSpace-time monitoring of groundwater fluctuations with passive seismic interferometry
Characterization of groundwater systems is important for sustainable freshwater management. Here, the authors map the distribution of groundwater storage changes at several hundred meters below the metropolitan Los Angeles during 2000–2020, by developing a cost-effective method using ambient ground vibrations recorded by seismometers.
- Shujuan Mao
- , Albanne Lecointre
- & Michel Campillo
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Article
| Open AccessContrasting inequality in human exposure to greenspace between cities of Global North and Global South
Through an analysis of global differences in human exposure to greenspace, a new study identifies a contrasting pattern of greenspace exposure between Global South and North cities and finds seasonal variations in greenspace exposure inequality.
- Bin Chen
- , Shengbiao Wu
- & Peng Gong
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Article
| Open AccessHighly efficient and selective extraction of gold by reduced graphene oxide
High extraction capacity with precise selectivity to trace amounts of gold over a wide range of co-existing elements remains a challenge for effective e-waste recycling. Here, authors demonstrate the excellent performance of rGO for gold extraction from e-waste leachate, even at minute concentrations.
- Fei Li
- , Jiuyi Zhu
- & Hui-Ming Cheng
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Article
| Open AccessGlobal analysis and prediction of fluoride in groundwater
A global fluoride hazard prediction map was created using machine learning and over 400,000 fluoride measurements, this shows ~180 million people are potentially affected by chronic fluoride exposure worldwide, mostly in Asia and Africa.
- Joel Podgorski
- & Michael Berg
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Article
| Open AccessSustainable environmental remediation via biomimetic multifunctional lignocellulosic nano-framework
Persistent organic pollutant (POP) remediation is important for protecting the environment and human health but can be expensive. Here, the authors report on the creation of a plant-based remediation material which can absorb high levels of POPs and then provide the nutrients needed for fungal degradation and detoxification.
- Jinghao Li
- , Xiaohan Li
- & Susie Y. Dai
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Article
| Open AccessTracing the origin of lithium in Li-ion batteries using lithium isotopes
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries play a key role in the energy transition towards clean energy. It is challenging for end users to ensure that Li comes from environmentally and responsible sources. Here the authors show that Li isotope ‘fingerprints’ are a useful tool for determining the origin of Li in battery.
- Anne-Marie Desaulty
- , Daniel Monfort Climent
- & Catherine Guerrot
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Article
| Open AccessWin-win opportunities combining high yields with high multi-taxa biodiversity in tropical agroforestry
Resolving ecological-economic trade-offs is a challenge in agriculture. Here, Wurz et al. find that in Malagasy vanilla agroforests, vanilla yield is generally not related to tree, herbaceous plant, bird, amphibian, reptile and ant biodiversity, creating opportunities for conservation outside protected areas.
- Annemarie Wurz
- , Teja Tscharntke
- & Ingo Grass
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Article
| Open AccessSunlight-driven nitrate loss records Antarctic surface mass balance
Snow accumulation rates in Antarctica can now be reconstructed from nitrate isotopes in snow and ice. This independent technique offers scientists a new tool for studying how Antarctic climate changed in the past and how it may change in the future.
- Pete D. Akers
- , Joël Savarino
- & Jason L. Roberts
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Article
| Open AccessAngstrom-confined catalytic water purification within Co-TiOx laminar membrane nanochannels
Subnanometer-confined reaction is the frontier of catalytic chemistry, yet it is challenging to form the angstrom channels with distributed atomic catalytic centers within, and to match the internal mass transfer and the reactive species’ lifetimes. Here, the authors resolve these issues by applying the concept of the angstrom-confined catalytic water contaminant degradation.
- Chenchen Meng
- , Baofu Ding
- & Zhenghua Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessBiophysical impacts of northern vegetation changes on seasonal warming patterns
The seasonal greening of Northern Hemisphere ecosystems due to extended growing periods and enhanced photosynthetic activity is, via experiments, shown to modify near-surface warming by perturbing land-atmosphere energy exchanges.
- Xu Lian
- , Sujong Jeong
- & Shilong Piao
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| Open AccessEstuarine plastisphere as an overlooked source of N2O production
The roles of marine plastisphere in global nitrogen cycling are largely unknown. Here, the authors indicate that the plastisphere could act as a potential source of N2O production, which is mainly regulated by the biotic denitrification
- Xiaoxuan Su
- , Leyang Yang
- & Yong-guan Zhu
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Article
| Open AccessThe inequality labor loss risk from future urban warming and adaptation strategies
New study investigates heat-induced labor loss in 231 Chinese cities, finding that lower-paid sectors could be disproportionately affected in coming decades, although adaptation measures may mitigate inequality related impacts.
- Cheng He
- , Yuqiang Zhang
- & Haidong Kan
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Article
| Open AccessDispersal and fire limit Arctic shrub expansion
Shrub encroachment trends are widespread yet complex. Here the authors demonstrate that not considering dispersal and fire leads to overestimating shrub expansion in Arctic tundra and therefore its role as carbon sink.
- Yanlan Liu
- , William J. Riley
- & Margaret S. Torn
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Article
| Open AccessAccelerated western European heatwave trends linked to more-persistent double jets over Eurasia
Europe is a heatwave hotspot exhibiting three-to-four times faster upward trends compared to the rest of the northern midlatitudes. Here, this accelerated trend is linked to the increased persistence of Eurasian double jets in the upper troposphere.
- Efi Rousi
- , Kai Kornhuber
- & Dim Coumou
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Article
| Open AccessAssociations between long-term drought and diarrhea among children under five in low- and middle-income countries
Increased droughts are associated with climate change. Here, the authors reveal an association between long-term drought and an elevated risk of diarrhea in children under five in low- and middle income countries, and suggest that improving water quality, sanitation, and hygiene practices might reduce the risk.
- Pin Wang
- , Ernest Asare
- & Kai Chen
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Article
| Open AccessUpcycling Compact Discs for Flexible and Stretchable Bioelectronic Applications
Electronic waste is a global issue brought about by the short lifespan of electronics. Here, the authors report a process to upcycle compact discs into flexible and stretchable bio-electronics.
- Matthew S. Brown
- , Louis Somma
- & Ahyeon Koh
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Article
| Open AccessEnvironmental trade-offs of direct air capture technologies in climate change mitigation toward 2100
New study concludes that environmental tradeoffs of direct air capture and sequestration technologies are linked to the energy system in which they will operate, and their deployment should not equate to a relaxation of decarbonization or resource use efficiency targets.
- Yang Qiu
- , Patrick Lamers
- & Sangwon Suh
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| Open AccessAnnual cycle observations of aerosols capable of ice formation in central Arctic clouds
The Arctic is changing faster than anywhere else on Earth. Interactions between clouds and aerosols play a role in these changes. We report how the quantities and origins of aerosols that affect cloud ice formation change over a full sea ice cycle
- Jessie M. Creamean
- , Kevin Barry
- & Ola Persson
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Article
| Open AccessSimulated co-optimization of renewable energy and desalination systems in Neom, Saudi Arabia
Co-optimization of renewable power and water desalination systems for Neom, a futuristic seaside city in an arid region, results in more pronounced cost investment savings for a high share of renewable sources.
- Jefferson A. Riera
- , Ricardo M. Lima
- & Omar Knio
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Matters Arising
| Open AccessEvidence confirms an anthropic origin of Amazonian Dark Earths
- Umberto Lombardo
- , Manuel Arroyo-Kalin
- & Wenceslau Geraldes Teixeira
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Article
| Open AccessSolving groundwater depletion in India while achieving food security
Using optimization models with climate, crop & economic data, the authors show that India can stop groundwater depletion, reduce energy use and meet food/nutrition targets by changing where it sources crops for its food procurement and distribution system.
- Naresh Devineni
- , Shama Perveen
- & Upmanu Lall
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Comment
| Open AccessThe delusive accuracy of global irrigation water withdrawal estimates
Miscalculating the volumes of water withdrawn for irrigation, the largest consumer of freshwater in the world, jeopardizes sustainable water management. Hydrological models quantify water withdrawals, but their estimates are unduly precise. Model imperfections need to be appreciated to avoid policy misjudgements.
- Arnald Puy
- , Razi Sheikholeslami
- & Andrea Saltelli
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| Open AccessUnexpected response of nitrogen deposition to nitrogen oxide controls and implications for land carbon sink
Recent vigorous controls in anthropogenic nitrogen oxide emissions in China cannot result in proportionate decreases in regional atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Enhanced atmospheric oxidizing capacity offsets those reductions of precursor emissions.
- Mingxu Liu
- , Fang Shang
- & Tong Zhu
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| Open AccessSimultaneous nanocatalytic surface activation of pollutants and oxidants for highly efficient water decontamination
Removal of organic micropollutants from water through advanced oxidation processes is hampered by the excessive input of energy and/or chemicals as well as the large amounts of residuals resulting from incomplete mineralization. Here the authors present a new alternative water purification technology to adsorption and advanced oxidation.
- Ying-Jie Zhang
- , Gui-Xiang Huang
- & Menachem Elimelech
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Article
| Open AccessThe streaming of plastic in the Mediterranean Sea
Plastic pollution in seas is widespread, but some areas lack the high concentrations of plastic debris. Here the authors identified places where large amounts of plastic debris pass in the Mediterranean Sea thus helping to study plastic dispersion in regions where plastic debris does not accumulate, and a tool for mitigation strategies.
- Alberto Baudena
- , Enrico Ser-Giacomi
- & Maria Luiza Pedrotti
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Article
| Open AccessDrought assessment has been outpaced by climate change: empirical arguments for a paradigm shift
Climate has changed over the last century, yet this change is seldom accounted for in drought assessment. This study quantifies drought bias due to climate change and suggests adjustment to align monitoring with contemporary risk.
- Zachary H. Hoylman
- , R. Kyle Bocinsky
- & Kelsey G. Jencso
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Article
| Open AccessHuman-ignited fires result in more extreme fire behavior and ecosystem impacts
‘Human-caused fires and natural fires could have different impacts. Here the authors report a geospatial analysis of lightning-ignited and human-ignited fires in California between 2012 and 2018, finding that the latter were more likely to develop under extreme conditions with larger ecosystem impacts.’
- Stijn Hantson
- , Niels Andela
- & James T. Randerson
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Comment
| Open AccessCrowd-sourcing observations of volcanic eruptions during the 2021 Fagradalsfjall and Cumbre Vieja events
This study explores the scientific potential of crowdsourced observations during volcanic eruptions, using the 2021 Fagradalsfjall (Iceland) and Cumbre Vieja (Canary Islands) events as case studies.
- Fabian B. Wadsworth
- , Edward W. Llewellin
- & Alejandro Polo Santabárbara
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Article
| Open AccessHuman and planetary health implications of negative emissions technologies
This paper assesses the co-benefits and side-effects of DACCS and BECCS for human health and the planet. The health burden avoided by removing 5.9 Gtonne/yr CO2 is substantial, but only DACCS has a low impact on the Earth system.
- Selene Cobo
- , Ángel Galán-Martín
- & Gonzalo Guillén-Gosálbez
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Article
| Open AccessPotential fire risks in South America under anthropogenic forcing hidden by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation
Fire emissions in South America consistently decreased in 2003–2019, although anthropogenic forcing could exacerbate drought and fire risks. Here the authors find that the decreasing fires were associated with climatic conditions unfavorable for intensifying and spreading fires, led by the phase transition of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation.
- Yanfeng Wang
- & Ping Huang
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Article
| Open AccessWhat sets aeolian dune height?
Giant dunes—stunning landforms that grow in patterns as wind blows sand grains over thousands of years—are measured across the entire planet for the first time. With this data, it’s shown the dunes can, in principle, grow in scale indefinitely.
- Andrew Gunn
- , Giampietro Casasanta
- & Douglas J. Jerolmack
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Article
| Open AccessMicroscale carbon distribution around pores and particulate organic matter varies with soil moisture regime
Carbon sequestration in soils has rarely been observed at microscopic scales. Here the authors reveal the impact of soil moisture regimes in shaping carbon stabilization and mineralization patterns tied to the pore network.
- Steffen Schlüter
- , Frederic Leuther
- & Hans-Jörg Vogel
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Article
| Open AccessUnlocking bimetallic active sites via a desalination strategy for photocatalytic reduction of atmospheric carbon dioxide
Ultrathin two-dimensional metal oxyhalides show excellent photocatalytic properties with unique electronic and interfacial structures. Here, the authors develop a top-down desalination strategy to engineer ultrathin bimetallic two-dimensional material for photocatalytic atmospheric carbon dioxide reduction.
- Xuezhen Feng
- , Renji Zheng
- & Hong Chen
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Article
| Open AccessMethane emissions from US low production oil and natural gas well sites
Only 6 percent of US oil and natural gas production output is from low production well sites. Here the authors show that total methane emissions from these low producing well sites in the US is substantial, representing about one-half of all production site methane emissions.
- Mark Omara
- , Daniel Zavala-Araiza
- & Steven P. Hamburg