Marine aquatic ecotoxicology

The impact of toxic substances emitted to marine aquatic ecosystems.

Methane (CH4)

A flammable, non-toxic but highly potent greenhouse gas.

Microclimate

A local atmospheric zone where the climate differs from the surrounding area.

Microgeneration

The generation of zero or low-carbon heat and power by individuals, small businesses and communities to meet their own needs. 

Microporous finish

A wood finish that allows wood to breathe thereby preventing rapid contraction and expansion, the primary cause of buckling and cracking.

Minimum ventilation requirement

The amount of ventilation required in maintaining acceptable levels of indoor environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and airborne pollutant concentrations.

Moisture buffering

Moisture absorption and desorption of materials in contact with indoor air of buildings is believed to be a possible way to moderate indoor humidity passively. Research is being undertaken to explore the potential of moisture buffering as a means of improving indoor air quality as well as saving energy.

Moisture content

The quantity of water contained in a material. The MC of wood is expressed as a percentage ratio of the amount of water in a piece of wood compared to the oven-dry weight of the wood.

Moisture resistance

A moisture resistant material is one that slows down the penetration of water, but is not in itself waterproof eg lime render / mortar

MVHR

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery - a system of ventilating buildings, in which heat is recovered from the exhaust air stream to preheat the fresh air intake. 

Moisture vapour transfer / transmission rate (MVTR)

A measure of the passage of water vapour through a material. The term is usually used in connection with ‘breathing wall’ construction.