Articles in 2021

While the food–energy–water nexus has become a focal point for inter- and cross-disciplinary studies in recent years, this analysis of rural communities contextualizes how effective the nexus is for describing and studying interactions.

In-stream turbines could be a viable alternative to storage-based large hydropower projects. This study finds that about two-thirds of the planned hydropower generation in the Brazilian Amazon basin could be harnessed using in-stream turbines.

Freshwater salinization syndrome is an emerging threat to freshwater globally. Here the authors quantify the contribution of indirect potable reuse to sodium pollution and suggest a variety of behavioural and technological interventions to address this growing environmental problem.

A valuation of the flood risk reduction services of coral habitats to people, property, economies and infrastructure in the United States finds that these benefits exceed US$1.8 billion annually.

The oceans contain 1,000 times more uranium than terrestrial resources, which could contribute to the sustainability of nuclear power. Here the authors report a polymeric adsorbent that can capture uranium from seawater selectively with an extraction capacity of 7.12 mg g^–1. It is even resistant against biofouling and can be reused.

The electroreduction of CO₂ provides a sustainable pathway to value-added fuels and chemicals. Here the authors show a cascade reaction that yields methylamine from CO₂ and nitrate. With detailed insight into the multistep catalytic process, the current findings further push the boundaries of this technology.

The presence and leaching of toxic lead in perovskite solar cells form a major environmental concern. Here the authors embed low-cost lead-absorbing resins into the perovskite layers, which reduces the lead leakage to the level of safety without compromising the device performance.

Recovering precious resources from waste is essential to implement a circular economy, but the available methods carry environmental costs. In this Article, a greener photocatalytic process is shown to recover up to seven precious metals from waste successfully, offering the potential for wide application.

There is growing interest in the development of biodegradable plastics from renewable resources. Here the authors report an in situ process involving only green chemicals to deconstruct natural wood, forming lignocellulosic bioplastics that are mechanically strong, stable against water and sustainable.

Cooperative institutional networks are essential to achieve SDG targets. Combining SDG interaction analysis with a transition management framework, this study finds that in Aruba prioritizing benefits from sustainable marine development leads to the greatest amount of direct co-benefits to other SDGs.

Oil palm production in Indonesia has expanded by converting more natural ecosystems to agricultural ones. This study finds large yield gaps among large and smallholder farms there, suggesting improved management could increase production while sparing fragile ecosystems.

Over-canal solar photovoltaic arrays are likely to reduce water evaporation and carry financial co-benefits, but estimates are lacking. With hydrologic and techno-economic simulations of solar panels covering California’s canal network, this study shows the advantages of covering canals with solar panels.

The textile industry is one of the largest polluters. Here the authors show that polyethylene is a sustainable alternative textile with water wicking and fast-drying performance. The fabrication of polyethylene fabrics is compatible with standard equipment and could be dry-coloured, further reducing water consumption.

Nature benefits people in diverse ways, but insight on the relative value of conserving or restoring versus using intensively is limited. Synthesizing data from 62 sites worldwide, this study finds benefits from conservation and restoration often outweighing private ones and that these rise with the social cost of carbon.

Amazonians are subject to climate shocks, but the associated health outcomes are still unclear. This study finds that rainfall variability is associated with adverse birth outcomes, especially for those most isolated and marginalized.

The conversion of methane to target one-carbon oxygenates relies on a two-step process that is carbon and energy intensive. Direct oxidation offers a sustainable alternative pathway. Here, the authors report on the selective photocatalytic oxidation of methane at room temperature using bismuth vanadate catalyst, realizing high methanol and formaldehyde selectivity.

The use and growth of ride-sharing apps in recent years has changed urban transportation patterns. This article examines their impacts on congestion, mass transit ridership and private car ownership in North American cities.

Satellite-based measures of the area irrigated by 79 schemes find a median of only 16% of the proposed area supplied. A quarter deliver over 80% of the proposed area and a fifth are inactive.

The demands of sustainable energy supply and clean water production continue to drive membrane development. Here the authors design graphene oxide membranes intercalated with polyaromatic cations that not only exhibit sustained nanofiltration performance under realistic conditions but also are scalable for industrial applications.

Small hydropower plants are increasingly favoured. This study finds that these plants are decreasing river connectivity in Brazil more than larger dams, potentially harming migratory fish, and suggests future dam portfolios that result in less river fragmentation while delivering similar power.