Fossil Plants Research Articles

Different technology packages for aluminium smelters worldwide to deliver the 1.5 °C target

Production of aluminium, one of the most energy-intensive metals, is challenging for mitigation efforts. Regional mitigation strategies often neglect the emissions patterns of individual smelters and fail to guide aluminium producers’ efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Here we build a global aluminium GHG emissions inventory (CEADs-AGE), which includes 249 aluminium smelters, representing 98% of global primary aluminium production and 280 associated fossil fuel-based captive power units. We find, despite the installation of more efficient and higher amperage cells, that the share of aluminium production powered by fossil fuel-based captive power units increased from 37% to 49% between 2012 and 2021. Retiring fossil fuel-based captive power plants 10 years ahead of schedule could reduce emissions intensity by 5.0–10.5 tCO2e per tonne of aluminium for dependent smelters. At least 18% of smelting capacity by 2040 and 67% by 2050 must be retrofitted with inert anode technology to achieve net-zero targets.

Replacing fossil fuel-based power plants with renewables to meet Iran's environmental commitments in the electricity sector

Replacing fossil fuel-based power plants with renewables to meet Iran's environmental commitments in the electricity sector

Potential and limitations of New Zealand's pre-deforestation fossil pollen records as recent analogues in palaeoecological research

Potential and limitations of New Zealand's pre-deforestation fossil pollen records as recent analogues in palaeoecological research

Heat stress reduces stomatal numbers in Ginkgo biloba: Implications for the stomatal method of palaeo-atmospheric [CO2] reconstruction during episodes of global warming.

The stomata of fossil plants are commonly used as proxies to reconstruct palaeo-atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (palaeo-[CO2]). Stomatal reconstruction of palaeo-[CO2] during global greenhouse periods or episodes of global warming, are particularly important to our understanding of the role of CO2 as a climate system driver. However, the efficacy of the 'stomatal method' for palaeo-[CO2] reconstruction depends upon the strength of the inverse relationship between stomatal number and the [CO2] in which the leaf developed. However, the impact of heat stress on stomatal initiation and development are largely unknown. Ginkgo biloba, a living fossil species, seedlings were grown in controlled environment chambers under 20/25°C and 30/35°C night/day temperature regimes. Heat stress in the 30/35°C treatment impaired photosynthetic function, decreased stomatal conductance (Gs), and reduced stomatal index (SI), indicative of lower stomatal initiation. Modelled theoretical Gs did not correlate with observed measured Gs, undermining the utility of palaeo-[CO2] reconstructions based on stomatal diffusion modelling. The lower stomatal initiation of G. biloba leaves from the higher temperature resulted in greater estimates of [CO2] based on SI values using the nearest living equivalent and SI-[CO2] transfer function approaches. Heat stress may diminish the effectiveness of the stomatal method in reconstructing palaeo-[CO2] during intervals of global warming marked by floral turnover in Earth history.

Silicon as a key driver of phytolith and phytolith-occluded carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation in rice ecosystems - a review

Anthropogenic activities raise the atmosphere greenhouse gases especially carbon dioxide caveat Global warming and climate change in recent years. Silica is one of the principal elements in the earth crust and consider as an important source for plant growth and development. Silica is absorbed as mono silicic acid (H4SiO4) deposit as opal stone / Phytolith in the cellular spaces and vascular bundles of the plant parts. The highest phytolith content of rice plant was observed in straw and incorporated into the soil during harvesting operation and acts as a resilience material. The Lsi1 and Lsi2 transporters along with major and secondary plant nutrients undergone polymerization with adsorbed Si for the formation of phytolith structure in rice. The rice Phytolith gives structural support, acts as a defence mechanism, imparts biotic and abiotic stresses, and nullifies the toxicity of some of the toxic metals and salinization of soil. Phytolith occluded carbon is formed by occlusion mechanism along with phytolith and other elements. PhytOC involves in geo chemical carbon cycle and climate change mitigation process. During the past sixty years, the annual carbon sequestration varied between 0.81×106 and 3.88×106 Mg-e-CO2 and maximum of 37×108 Mg-e-CO2 within phytoliths of rice crop in China. Archaeology, paleo botany, geology and pale ecological research on Phytoliths are carried out, because silica is a base, non-degradable and preserve as microfossils. Use of silicon rich organic and inorganic sources enhances the Aboveground Net Primary Productivity (ANPP) and Phytolith C sequestration in the rice eco system.

Paleopalynofloras of the Eocene in South Asia

The current study focuses on the previous research on paleopalynology of existing plants from different regions of the Eocene strata of South Asia. This study was conducted for the first time in the study area to highlight the distributions, identifications, and abundance of the floral paleopalynological record of the Eocene in South Asia. The study attempts to describe plant evolution, reconstructions of past climate change, and the effects of these changes on plant communities over time in the study area. The vegetation of the study area during the depositional period was better predicted by the existence of fossil flora. The proposed work yields data on the dominant fossil plant taxa that existed in South Asia over megaannum–including trees, shrubs, herbs, bryophytes and aquatic macrophytes. Results of this work promise to yield novel insights into the synergistic effects of climate change and paleoecology and evolution of plant communities. The data proved useful for establishing links with other branches of sciences, including archaeology, geology, plant ecology and environmental science. The current study aimed to describe phylogeny, reconstructions of past climate change and its effects on plant communities in the Eocene period of south Asia.

Development Strategies for Grid-Connected Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic to Increase Renewable Energy Penetration

The government of Indonesia has launched programs to decarbonize its power systems by replacing fossil fuel-based plants with renewable energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment faces economic and technical barriers despite abundant solar irradiance. This study evaluates techno-economic strategies for 10 MW grid-connected solar PV systems, comparing two scenarios: without Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and with BESS to reduce grid reliance. Key interventions were analyzed for their economic impacts, including tariff adjustments, carbon tax implementation, and competitive auction schemes. The results show that without BESS, the project achieves an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 21.30%, making it highly feasible. However, including BESS lowers the IRR to 5.89% due to higher costs. Combining carbon tax and tariff adjustments improves feasibility, achieving a Profitability Index (PI) of 1.00 and an IRR of 14.74%. Competitive auctions further lower costs, enhancing the feasibility of BESS projects. While solar PV without BESS is economically viable, risks of capital cost increases require attention. For BESS projects, policy interventions such as auctions and incentives are essential. This study highlights strategic measures to accelerate solar PV adoption in Indonesia, providing insights for policymakers and investors to scale up renewable energy deployment effectively.

Herbivory in ancient aquatic ecosystems: the case of Miocene Salvinia species from the Northwestern of Argentina

ABSTRACT Herbivory traces found on Salvinia graui Herbst and Anzótegui, 1987 and Salvinia cf. minima Baker, 1886 were analysed herein. These ichnofossils were collected from Quebrada de Alfredo outcrop in sediments corresponding to the Palo Pintado Formation (Late Miocene, at the Northwest of Argentina). Among the traces identified, one of them became interesting: a new type of leaf-mining that never have been recorded in these fossil plants. The leaf-mining are linear and branched like fingers, pointing to a particular behaviour from the insect producer. Likewise, other damage types corresponding to marginal, non-marginal and window excisions and one gall were found. The fossil traces were assigned to five ichnospecies, of which three are novelties. Moreover, these damages were compared with modern specimens collected at the Northeast of Argentina and possible producers were inferred. This study demonstrates that interactions between Salvinia and their associated insects were already established 8 Ma ago, without suffering significant changes. Our results also constitute the second evidence of plant-insect interactions of aquatic ferns during the Neogene in both South America and worldwide as well as enrich the understanding of the ecological dynamics and diversity of insect feeding strategies in aquatic environments at different times in the past.

Geological Disaster Mitigation In Air Batu Village, Merangin Jambi Geopark UGGP Area

Abstract Merangin Geopark is a very valuable natural resource, namely the discovery of several potential geological diversity along the Merangin River and Mengkarang River. These potentials include Jambi flora and fauna fossils around 250-290 million years old (Late Perem Period), and plant fossils in the form of giant terracotta logs dated to the late Tertiary-early Quaternary. The natural scenery of the tourist route and the geosite location of the research area itself is in the hills and rivers such as tributaries and the Main River. Each geosite has a hilly area and right below it is the main river, namely the Batang Merangin river, which at any time can cause landslides or floods or overflow. Landslides are a natural phenomenon that occur in mountainous, hilly areas, and the rainy season greatly influences the occurrence of landslides. Therefore, this research was carried out to carry out disaster mitigation at geosites, especially at the Tantan Granitoid Geosite, Jeram Ladeh Geosite, Teluk Gedang Geosite, and Muara Karing Geosite to minimize and provide good information to the public, pupils or students who come to the geosite.. as well as visitors from within or outside the country.

How Old Is the Presence of the Canary Pine Forests in the Canary Islands?

ABSTRACTAimThe Neogene fossil record of Pinus canariensis C.Sm ex DC. suggests a wider past distribution in Europe, but due to extirpation by past climatic events, today this taxon is restricted to the Canary Islands. Remarkably, the putative oldest P. canariensis fossil for the Canary Islands, found in Gran Canaria is 13.3–13.0 Ma. This palaeobiogeographical information has been cited as proof of the deep‐time presence of conifers, the genus Pinus L., P. canariensis and the pine forest ecosystems in the Canary Islands, but also to justify the long‐term evolution of P. canariensis within an active insular volcanic environment. Here we present a re‐evaluation of the oldest Pinus fossil from the Canary Island.LocationGran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.TaxonPinus canariensis C.Sm ex DC.MethodsWe compiled a citation record for the mentions of the ‘bark fossil’ and conducted a review of the specimen. We compared it with extant P. canariensis and with pyroclasts.ResultsThe analysis of the specimen demonstrates that it lacks morphological or anatomical characters to identify as a bark or even as a plant fossil. The specimen is best interpreted as a lapilli‐sized tube pumice, highly altered by mineral deposition promoted by the percolating hydrothermal water.Main ConclusionsThe oldest reliable Pinus fossils from the Canary Islands are 3.9–3.1 Ma and ca. 9 to 10 Ma younger than previously claimed. When did Pinus arrive at the Canary Islands is unknown, but this biogeographical question can be approached via focused volcano‐stratigraphical and palaeobotanical research in this Archipelago.

Late Pleistocene palynological records from the Qaidam Basin (North Tibet) and their implications for Qarhan Lake evolution

Qarhan Salt Lake was the depocenter of the Qaidam Basin during the Quaternary, with a very thick sequence of lacustrine sediments. Continuous lacustrine sediments provide excellent archives of detailed paleoenvironmental data regarding climatic changes in the Qaidam Basin and northern Tibetan Plateau. Nevertheless, there isconsiderable controversyconcerning the lake and climatic evolution during Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3). In this study, the palynological remains from two drill cores in Qarhan Salt Lake, Qaidam Basin, were analyzed in conjunction with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) 14C dating, with the aim of reconstructing the vegetation and paleoenvironment changes in the Qarhan Lake area during the Late Pleistocene. In addition, based on modern pollen–climate transfer functions for the Qaidam Basin and its surrounding areas, together with the fossil pollen data from dated sedimentcores, we quantitatively reconstructed the mean annual precipitation in Qarhan Salt Lake area during the Late Pleistocene. By integrating these new data with lithological and palynological records from adjacent cores in Qarhan Salt Lake, the spatial distribution pattern of the lake evolution of Qarhan Lake in the Late Pleistocene was also reconstructed.

Morphology, epidermal features and δ13C signature of Lopingian (late Permian) conifers

Conifers, the most successful group of Permian gymnosperms, dominate the famous Bletterbach (Dolomites, NE-Italy) plant fossil assemblage, a highly diverse and well-documented late Permian (Lopingian) flora. An integrated analysis of morphology, cuticles and isotope geochemistry was carried out on approximately 50 conifer shoots across five genera (Ortiseia, Majonica, Dolomitia, Pseudovoltzia and Quadrocladus) and eight species, including three (Pseudovoltzia sjerpii, Quadrocladus solmsii, Quadrocladus cf. orobiformis) described for the first time from Bletterbach. Taxon-specific carbon isotope analyses reveal intra-specific and/or intra-generic variability, identifying a unique geochemical composition for Majonica alpina, which may reflect a possible species-specific geochemical signature or adaptation to particular environmental conditions. The isotopic differences observed between leaves and axes indicate the preservation of distinct isotopic ratios in photosynthetic versus heterotrophic tissues, underscoring the importance of sampling multiple plant parts to accurately capture individual and taxonomic isotopic variability. The study of stable isotopes of organic carbon on well-preserved plant remains is enhanced the paleoenvironmental reconstruction of the Bletterbach flora.

First indisputable fossil Ilex (Aquifoliales: Aquifoliaceae) flower found in Baltic amber

The genus Ilex (holly) in the monotypic family Aquifoliaceae contains more than 600 species distributed worldwide. Pollen fossils and macrofossils of fruits of Ilex are known from the late Cretaceous (90 Ma) and verified leaves from the upper Miocene (10 Ma), but until now only a few more or less incomplete flower fossils have been suggested as referable to this genus. This paper reviews the fossil flowers earlier attributed to Ilex and presents a complete and indisputable staminate Ilex flower from Baltic amber (34–38 Ma) examined in detail with synchrotron X-ray tomography. This finding may challenge the hypothesis of late Neogene dispersal of the genus from a center of origin in subtropical East Asia.

The Indo–Pacific Pollen Database – a Neotoma constituent database

Abstract. The Indo–Pacific Pollen Database (IPPD) is the brainchild of the late professor Geoffrey Hope, who gathered pollen records from across the region to ensure their preservation for future generations of palaeoecologists. This noble aim is now being fulfilled by integrating the IPPD into the online Neotoma Paleoecology Database, making this compilation available for public use. Here we explore the database in depth and suggest directions for future research. The IPPD comprises 226 fossil pollen records, most postdating 20 ka but with some extending as far back as 50 ka or further. Over 80 % of the records are Australian, with a fairly even distribution between the different Australian geographical regions, with the notable exception being Western Australia, which is only represented by three records. The records are also well distributed in the modern climate space, with the largest gap being in drier regions due to preservation issues. However, many of the records contain few samples or have fewer than five chronology control points, such as radiocarbon, luminescence or Pb-210, for the younger sequences. Average deposition time for the whole database, counted as years per centimetre, is 64.8 yr cm−1, with 61 % of the records having a deposition time shorter than 50 yr cm−1. The slowest deposition time by geographical region occurs on Australia's east coast, while the fastest times are from the western Pacific. Overall, Australia has a slower deposition time than the rest of the Indo–Pacific region. The IPPD offers many exciting research opportunities to investigate past regional vegetation changes and associated drivers, including contrasting the impact of the first human arrival and European colonisation on vegetation. Examining spatiotemporal patterns of diversity and compositional turnover/rate of change, land cover reconstructions, and plant functional or trait diversity are other avenues of potential research, amongst many others. Merging the IPPD into Neotoma also facilitates inclusion of data from the Indo–Pacific region into global syntheses.

Study on carbon emissions of a small hydropower plant in Southwest China

Hydropower plants with a small installed capacity, which are widely distributed in mountainous areas with abundant rainfall and steep rivers, play an important role in resolving energy problems in remote rural areas. These plants are a crucial source of clean electricity generated from water power. Harnessing local water resources not only helps alleviate energy shortages, but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to China’s national goals of achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. This study investigates the carbon footprint of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project in Chongqing, China. The entire life cycle of the hydropower plant is assessed, including the preparation, construction, operation and maintenance, and demolition phases. The uncertainty was evaluated using the error propagation method. Following analysis, suggestions for carbon footprint reduction measures were proposed. Results showed that the total carbon footprint and the carbon intensity of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project over its entire life cycle are 33,148.29 t CO2e and 417.75 g CO2e/kWh, respectively. Of the total carbon footprint, the preparation phase, construction phase, operation and maintenance phase, and demolition phase account for 0.04%, 67.06%, 26.2%, and 6.7%, respectively. It means that the requirement for cement during the construction phase represents an important contribution to the entire life cycle carbon footprint of a small hydropower plant. As an integrated water conservancy project, the carbon intensity of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project is higher than that of medium-sized and large hydropower plants. However, its carbon intensity is lower than the emission factor of fossil power plants. The research results provide reference for both planning and construction of small hydropower plants and low-carbon development of rural hydraulic engineering.

Late Holocene palsa formation in northern Fennoscandia – Fossil pollen indication and climatic trigger

Palsa is a peat mound with a permanently frozen core, occurring in the (sub)polar zone. So far, the history of European palsa mires has been investigated mainly by means of analysis of plant macroremains. To better understand how the formation of palsa is reflected in pollen records, we investigated fossil pollen of two sites in northern Fennoscandia: a conical palsa close to Abisko National Park (NW Sweden) and low palsa mire close to Nikel, Kola Peninsula (NW Russia).At both sites, the formation of palsa is demonstrated by the same pattern in pollen record: decrease of Cyperaceae pollen and Pteridophyta and Lycopodiophyta spores, and the associated increase of ericoid dwarf shrubs and Rubus chamaemorus pollen. This pattern represents the change from a wet fen to a dry bog plant community after the uplift of the palsa mound above the surrounding terrain.The age of both palsas formation around 2370 cal BP (Abisko) and 2270 cal BP (Nikel) falls in the two main periods of palsa initiation in Europe and thus represents further evidence of significant cooling in the period 2600–2100 cal BP. At both investigated sites, this cooling is also reflected by the decline of pine and the expansion of birch tundra.Besides new original data, we provide an overview of so-far dated palsa formation in northern Fennoscandia and an interpretative key for identifying palsa in the palaeoecological record, based on plant species typical of the different stages of palsa development.

Relationships between pollen assemblages and modern vegetation of the southern Gaoligong Mountains region, southwest China

Comprehensive understanding of the modern pollen–vegetation relationship is crucial for utilizing fossil pollen to reconstruct palaeovegetation, especially in mountainous areas of southwestern China. In this study, we present forty-five modern surface samples collected from five different vegetation communities of the southern Gaoligong Mountains region, and the vegetation composition was investigated at each sample site. The modern pollen assemblages were analyzed through multivariate analysis to evaluate the relationships between vegetation types and pollen assemblages, and to investigate the representation of major pollen types in different vegetation types. The results indicate that the surface pollen assemblages of different vegetation types reliably represent the modern vegetation. The median R-values of dominant pollen taxa in the Gaoligong Mountains region can be ordered as follows: Pinus > Alnus > Poaceae > evergreen Quercus. The over-representation of Pinus pollen, attributed to its high productivity and strong dispersal ability, makes it the dominant component of exotic pollen. Conversely, the under-representation of evergreen Quercus suggests that the presence of its pollen within a sample might indicate the growth of the local parent plant in the study area. The human activities in the region have a recognizable effect on the surface pollen spectra and also exert a significant negative impact on pollen diversity. Our study supplements the modern pollen database of the mountain regions in southwestern China, and provides representative modern pollen analogues to interpret fossil pollen records from southwestern China and similar regions.

The integration and transformative design research of plant dyeing techniques in Dong brocade with sustainable materials

Dong brocade, a fabric renowned for its intricate patterns and ethnic symbolism, has been woven by the Dong people for generations, showcasing their cultural significance. Traditional plant dyeing technology is one of the main aspects of Dong brocade but the documentation and understanding of this is still rather limited. With regard to the use of plant dye in Dong brocade, it is not as well explored as it should be since it has a traditional aspect. The main purpose is to investigate and apply the traditional plant dyeing technique to Dong brocade for the improvement of that sustainable concept and the preservation of cultural assets. Therefore, 121 Dong villagers were interviewed to elicit their awareness regarding prehistoric plant dyeing. By observing the dyeing conditions, this study provided accurate perception and learned how to differentiate between natural and synthetic mordants through ethnobotanical perception. The strategy is intended to integrate sustainable products into Dong brocade, employing orthogonal array development to find the right dyeing conditions for corresponding plant dyes. Research revealed that 8 genera of plants which include 7 species are used in dyeing Dong brocade. The findings presented in this work prove the effectiveness of the use of plant dyes in Dong brocade, showing its advantages with 30% of frequency and CI (Color Index) indices, 8% of them being cultural. 5 for ethnic cultural sustainment, developmental and bio-diversity reasons respectively. The unique integration between the traditional dyeing technique in Dong brocade and the utilization of sustainable resources is very promising for the improvement of identity enhancement and embodiment, and the preservation of the environment.

Reconstructing Terrestrial Paleoclimate and Paleoecology with Fossil Leaves Using Digital Leaf Physiognomy and Leaf Mass Per Area.

Climate and environment strongly influence the size, shape, and toothiness (physiognomy) of plants' leaves. These relationships, particularly in woody non-monocotyledonous angiosperms, have been used to develop leaf-based proxies for paleoclimate and paleoecology that have been applied to reconstruct ancient terrestrial ecosystems for the last ~120 million years of Earth's history. Additionally, given that these relationships have been documented in living plants, they are important for understanding aspects of plant evolution and how plants respond to climatic and environmental changes. To conduct these types of analyses on modern and fossil plants, leaf physiognomy must be measured accurately using a reproducible methodology. This protocol describes a computer-based method for measuring and analyzing a variety of leaf physiognomic variables in modern and fossil leaves. This method allows for the measurement of leaf physiognomic traits, in particular variables related to leaf serrations, leaf area, leaf dissection, and linearity that are used in the digital leaf physiognomy proxy for reconstructing paleoclimate, as well as petiole width and leaf area, which are used for reconstructing leaf mass per area, a paleoecological proxy. Because this digital leaf trait measurement method can be applied to fossil and living plants, it is not limited to applications related to reconstructing paleoclimate and paleoecology. It can also be used to explore leaf traits that may be informative for understanding the function of leaf morphology, leaf development, phylogenetic relationships of leaf traits, and plant evolution.

Review on Biodegradable Aliphatic Polyesters: Development and Challenges.

Biodegradable polymers are gaining attention as alternatives to non-biodegradable plastics to address environmental issues. With the rising global demand for plastic products, the development of non-toxic, biodegradable plastics is a significant topic of research. Aliphatic polyester, the most common biodegradable polyester, is notable for its semi-crystalline structure and can be synthesized from fossil fuels, microbial fermentation, and plants. Due to great properties like being lightweight, biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic, aliphatic polyesters are used in packaging, medical, agricultural, wearable devices, sensors, and textile applications. The biodegradation rate, crucial for biodegradable polymers, is discussed in this review as it is influenced by their structural properties and environmental conditions. This review discusses currently available biodegradable polyesters, their emerging applications, and the challenges in their commercialization. As research in this area grows, this review emphasizes the innovation in biodegradable aliphatic polyesters and their role in advancing environmental sustainability.