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Dynamic Pore-scale Reservoir-condition Imaging of Reaction in Carbonates Using Synchrotron Fast Tomography
Published on: February 21, 2017
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Enhanced basalt weathering for CO2 sequestration: Phase dissolution rates, carbon sequestration mechanisms and
Xiaowei Tang1, Hao Liu2, Libing Liao1
1Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Material Sciences and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
Environmental Research
|March 29, 2025
Summary
Enhanced basalt weathering effectively reduces atmospheric CO2. This study quantifies mineral dissolution rates and carbon sequestration, offering insights for climate change mitigation.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry and Environmental Science
- Mineralogy and Petrology
- Climate Change Mitigation
Background:
- Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) using basalt is a key strategy for atmospheric CO2 reduction.
- Determining phase-specific dissolution rates in complex soil environments is challenging.
- Basalt's mineral complexity and soil separation issues limit real-world rate assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify phase-specific dissolution rates of basalt minerals in soil.
- To determine the carbon sequestration potential of enhanced basalt weathering.
- To assess the practical feasibility of ERW in China.
Main Methods:
- Innovative combination of magnetic separation and XRD-Rietveld analysis to isolate and quantify basalt phases in soil.
- Determination of normalized dissolution rates for labradorite, augite, hortonolite, ilmenite, and amorphous phases.
- Comprehensive feasibility assessment including carbon sequestration, land use, water, cost, and energy.
Main Results:
- Phase-specific dissolution rates were quantified, with augite and hortonolite showing higher rates.
- A significant carbon sequestration rate of 9.728 t ha-1 a-1 was determined.
- Early-stage weathering focused on augite, hortonolite, and amorphous phases, with later-stage labradorite degradation.
- Weathering products included zeolite, hornblende, and serpentine; dissolved cations formed secondary phases or entered soil.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced basalt weathering is a viable strategy for atmospheric CO2 reduction.
- The study provides crucial data on mineral dissolution kinetics and carbon sequestration rates.
- Feasibility assessment highlights practical considerations for large-scale implementation in China.
Keywords:
CO(2) removalClimate mitigationEnvironmental feasibilityMineral phase dissolutionRock weatheringMore Related Videos
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