1
|
Ryan PC, Santis A, Vanderkloot E, Bhatti M, Caddle S, Ellis M, Grimes A, Silverman S, Soderstrom E, Stone C, Takoudes A, Tulay P, Wright S. The potential for carbon dioxide removal by enhanced rock weathering in the tropics: An evaluation of Costa Rica. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172053. [PMID: 38556010 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Tropical environments show great potential to sequester CO2 by enhanced rock weathering (ERW) of powdered mafic rocks applied to agricultural fields. This study seeks to assess carbon dioxide reduction (CDR) potential in the humid tropics (1) by experimental weathering of mafic rock powders in conditions simulating humid tropical soils, and (2) from weathering rates determined from a Holocene tropical soil chronosequence where parent material is andesitic sediments. Experimentally determined weathering rates by leaching of basaltic andesites from Costa Rica (Arenal and Barva) for 50 t ha-1 applications indicate potential sequestration of 2.4 to 4.5 t CO2 ha-1 yr-1, whereas the USGS basalt standard BHVO-1 yields a rate of 11.9 t ha-1 yr-1 (influenced by more mafic composition and finer particle size). The chronosequence indicates a rate of 1.7 t CO2 ha-1 yr-1. The weathering experiment consisted of 0.6 mm of powdered rock applied atop 12 mm of Ultisol at 35 °C. To simulate a tropical soil solution, 100-mL aliquots of a dilute solution of oxalic acid in carbonated DI water were rained onto soils over a 14-day period to simulate soil moisture in the humid tropics. Solutions were collected and analyzed by ICPMS for concentrations of leached cations. A potential ERW scenario for Costa Rica was assessed assuming that one-half of lowland agricultural kaolinitic soils (mainly Ultisols, common crop and pasture soils, excluding protected areas) were to receive 50 t ha-1 of annual or biennial applications of powdered mafic rock. With an experimentally determined humid tropical CDR rate for basaltic andesite (3.5 t ha-1 yr-1) and allowances for carbon costs (e.g. emissions from processing and delivery) that reduce CDR to a net 3.2 t ha-1 yr-1, potential annual CDR of this tropical nation is ∼2-4 million tons, amounting to ∼25-50 % of annual CO2 emissions (mainly from transportation in Costa Rica).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P C Ryan
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA.
| | - A Santis
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - E Vanderkloot
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - M Bhatti
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - S Caddle
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - M Ellis
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - A Grimes
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - S Silverman
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - E Soderstrom
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - C Stone
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - A Takoudes
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - P Tulay
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - S Wright
- Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liang B, Wei J, Wu S, Hao H. Synergistic advantages of volcanic ash weathering in saline soils: CO 2 sequestration and enhancement of plant growth. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171825. [PMID: 38513852 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a primary greenhouse gas that has experienced a surge in atmospheric concentration due to human activities and lifestyles. It is imperative to curtail atmospheric CO2 levels promptly to alleviate the multifaceted impacts of climate warming. The soil serves as a natural reservoir for CO2 sequestration. The scientific premise of this study is that CO2 sequestration in agriculturally relevant, organically-deficient saline soil can be achieved by incorporating alkaline earth silicates. Volcanic ash (VA) was used as a soil amendment for CO2 removal from saline soil by leveraging enhanced silicate rock weathering (ERW). The study pursued two primary objectives: first, we aimed to evaluate the impact of various doses of VA, employed as an amendment for organically-deficient soil, on the growth performance of key cultivated crops (sorghum and mung bean) in inland saline-alkaline agricultural regions of northeastern China. Second, we aimed to assess alterations in the physical properties of the amended soil through mineralogical examinations, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses, quantifying the increase in inorganic carbon content within the soil. In the potting tests, mung bean plant height exhibited a noteworthy increase of approximately 41 % with the addition of 10 % VA. Sorghum plant height and aboveground and belowground biomass dry weights increased with VA application across all tested doses. At the optimal VA application rate (20 %), the sorghum achieved a CO2 sequestration rate of 0.14 kg CO2·m-2·month-1. XRD and SEM-EDS analyses confirmed that the augmented inorganic carbon in the VA-amended soils stemmed primarily from calcite accumulation. These findings contribute to elucidating the mechanism underlying VA as an amendment for organically-deficient soils and provide an effective approach for enhancing the carbon sink capacity of saline soils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liang
- Key Laboratory of Eco-restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Environment School of Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China; Institute of Carbon Neutrality Technology and Policy, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Jianbing Wei
- School of Life Science and Engineering of Shenyang university, Shenyang 110044, China; Institute of Carbon Neutrality Technology and Policy, Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China.
| | - Shangyu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Eco-restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Environment School of Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| | - Heyang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-restoration of Regional Contaminated Environment, Environment School of Shenyang University, Shenyang 110044, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abdalqadir M, Hughes D, Rezaei Gomari S, Rafiq U. A state of the art of review on factors affecting the enhanced weathering in agricultural soil: strategies for carbon sequestration and climate mitigation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:19047-19070. [PMID: 38372917 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32498-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, the exploration of sustainable negative emission technologies becomes imperative. Enhanced weathering (EW) represents an approach by leveraging the natural process of rock weathering to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) in agricultural lands. This review synthesizes current research on EW, focusing on its mechanisms, influencing factors, and pathways for successful integration into agricultural practices. It evaluates key factors such as material suitability, particle size, application rates, soil properties, and climate, which are crucial for optimizing EW's efficacy. The study highlights the multifaceted benefits of EW, including soil fertility improvement, pH regulation, and enhanced water retention, which collectively contribute to increased agricultural productivity and climate change mitigation. Furthermore, the review introduces Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) verification frameworks as essential components for assessing and enhancing EW's effectiveness and credibility. By examining the current state of research and proposing avenues for future investigation, this review aims to deepen the understanding of EW's role in sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mardin Abdalqadir
- Department of Engineering, School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - David Hughes
- Department of Engineering, School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
| | - Sina Rezaei Gomari
- Department of Engineering, School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
| | - Ubaid Rafiq
- Department of Engineering, School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Buckingham FL, Henderson GM. The enhanced weathering potential of a range of silicate and carbonate additions in a UK agricultural soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167701. [PMID: 37832693 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced weathering (EW) is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology which aims to accelerate silicate and/or carbonate weathering in agricultural land. At present, the rate and magnitude of CDR from EW remains uncertain. In this study, soil cores extracted from a typical UK agricultural site in Oxfordshire were used to geochemically assess the efficacy of EW while simulating field conditions. Six material "treatments" were applied to soil cores at a rate equivalent to 50 t ha-1: agricultural lime (aglime), basalt, cement kiln dust (CKD), olivine, steel slag, and volcanic ash. A range of chemical measurements were used to constrain the rate of dissolution, fate of dissolution products, and the CDR potential and environmental impact of treatment. After a single application, the CDR rates were, in decreasing order: steel slag (20 ± 4 kgCO2 ha-1 yr-1) > CKD (16 ± 4 kgCO2 ha-1 yr-1) > basalt (5 ± 3 kgCO2 ha-1 yr-1) > volcanic ash (3 ± 3 kgCO2 ha-1 yr-1) > aglime (2 ± 1 kgCO2 ha-1 yr-1) > olivine (0 ± 2 kgCO2 ha-1 yr-1). Despite its drawdown potential, steel slag addition is not advised because application raised the dissolved concentration of heavy metals in the soil. CKD application will be limited due to availability of this material. Liming of agricultural soil is normally considered a source of CO2, but this study indicates liming could cause CDR in some UK soil conditions. Extrapolating from this site to a wider scale supports the conclusions of recently published research which suggests 10 years of basalt application over UK cropland could remove 1.8 ± 0.9 MtCO2 yr-1. Given the low rates of CDR observed in this study, EW is only likely to be worthwhile, at least in soil and climate conditions common to SE England, where there are co-benefits beyond carbon uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F L Buckingham
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3AN, UK.
| | - G M Henderson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3AN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Buss W, Hasemer H, Ferguson S, Borevitz J. Stabilisation of soil organic matter with rock dust partially counteracted by plants. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17052. [PMID: 37994295 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Soil application of Ca- and Mg-rich silicates can capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide as inorganic carbon but could also have the potential to stabilise soil organic matter (SOM). Synergies between these two processes have not been investigated. Here, we apply finely ground silicate rock mining residues (basalt and granite blend) to a loamy sand in a pot trial at a rate of 4% (equivalent to 50 t ha-1 ) and investigate the effects of a wheat plant and two watering regimes on soil carbon sequestration over the course of 6 months. Rock dust addition increased soil pH, electric conductivity, inorganic carbon content and soil-exchangeable Ca and Mg contents, as expected for weathering. However, it decreased exchangeable levels of micronutrients Mn and Zn, likely related to the elevated soil pH. Importantly, it increased mineral-associated organic matter by 22% due to the supply of secondary minerals and associated sites for SOM sorption. Additionally, in the nonplanted treatments, rock supply of Ca and Mg increased soil microaggregation that subsequently stabilised labile particulate organic matter as organic matter occluded in aggregates by 46%. Plants, however, reduced soil-exchangeable Mg and Ca contents and hence counteracted the silicate rock effect on microaggregates and carbon within. We suggest this cation loss might be attributed to plant exudates released to solubilise micronutrients and hence neutralise plant deficiencies. The effect of enhanced silicate rock weathering on SOM stabilisation could substantially boost its carbon sequestration potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Buss
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Heath Hasemer
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Scott Ferguson
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Justin Borevitz
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo F, Sun H, Yang J, Zhang L, Mu Y, Wang Y, Wu F. Improving food security and farmland carbon sequestration in China through enhanced rock weathering: Field evidence and potential assessment in different humid regions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166118. [PMID: 37574053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) in farmland is an emerging carbon dioxide removal technology with crushed silicate rocks for soil improvement. However, due to climatic variability and field data limitations, uncertainties remain regarding the influence of ERW on food security and soil carbon pools in temperate regions. This study focused to evaluate the crop productivity and carbon sequestration potential of farmland ERW in China by conducting field monitoring in different humid regions and ERW performance model. Additionally, the contribution of climate, soil, and management factors to ERW-mediated yield and carbon sequestration changes was explored using random forest and correlation networks. Field monitoring indicated that farmland ERW significantly improved crop yield in humid region (13.5 ± 5.2 %), along with notable improvements in soil pH and available nutrients. Precipitation (10.4-16.7 %) and soil pH (9.7-16.8 %) had the highest contribution on ERW mediated yield and carbon sequestration changes, but the contribution of management factors (24-26.2 %), especially N input (2.7-7.0 %), should not be disregarded. The model evaluation demonstrated that the carbon sequestration rate of farmland ERW in China can reach 0.28-0.40 Gt yr-1, thereby presenting an opportunity to expand and accelerate the nationally determined contributions of China. The mean sequestration cost of farmland ERW was 633 ± 161 CNY ¥ t-CO2-1, which was an attractive sequestration price considering the positive benefits of rock powder on soil pH and nutrients. Deploying ERW in acidified and mineral nutrient deficient regions was able to serve as an alternative to lime and part chemical fertilizers to improve yield and maximize agricultural sustainability and resource co-benefits. Farmland ERW also has the potential to resource silicate waste to assist traditional, difficult-to-decarbonize industries to reduce carbon emissions. As a result, a comprehensive assessment of existing artificial silicate waste materials could further expand the application of farmland ERW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuxing Guo
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Haowei Sun
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Chinese Academy of Sciences & Ministry of Water Resources, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Linsen Zhang
- College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Mu
- College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Fuping Modern Agricultural Comprehensive Experimental Demonstration Station, Northwest A&F University, Fuping 711700, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fuyong Wu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China; Key Laboratory of Plant Nutrition and the Agri-environment in Northwest China, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Reershemius T, Kelland ME, Jordan JS, Davis IR, D'Ascanio R, Kalderon-Asael B, Asael D, Suhrhoff TJ, Epihov DZ, Beerling DJ, Reinhard CT, Planavsky NJ. Initial Validation of a Soil-Based Mass-Balance Approach for Empirical Monitoring of Enhanced Rock Weathering Rates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19497-19507. [PMID: 37961896 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a promising scalable and cost-effective carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy with significant environmental and agronomic co-benefits. A major barrier to large-scale implementation of ERW is a robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) framework. To successfully quantify the amount of carbon dioxide removed by ERW, MRV must be accurate, precise, and cost-effective. Here, we outline a mass-balance-based method in which analysis of the chemical composition of soil samples is used to track in situ silicate rock weathering. We show that signal-to-noise issues of in situ soil analysis can be mitigated by using isotope-dilution mass spectrometry to reduce analytical error. We implement a proof-of-concept experiment demonstrating the method in controlled mesocosms. In our experiment, a basalt rock feedstock is added to soil columns containing the cereal crop Sorghum bicolor at a rate equivalent to 50 t ha-1. Using our approach, we calculate rock weathering corresponding to an average initial CDR value of 1.44 ± 0.27 tCO2eq ha-1 from our experiments after 235 days, within error of an independent estimate calculated using conventional elemental budgeting of reaction products. Our method provides a robust time-integrated estimate of initial CDR, to feed into models that track and validate large-scale carbon removal through ERW.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Reershemius
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mike E Kelland
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, U.K
| | - Jacob S Jordan
- Porecast Research, Lawrence, Kansas 66049, United States
| | - Isabelle R Davis
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, Southampton SO14 3ZH, U.K
| | - Rocco D'Ascanio
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Boriana Kalderon-Asael
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Dan Asael
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - T Jesper Suhrhoff
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Dimitar Z Epihov
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, U.K
| | - David J Beerling
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, U.K
| | - Christopher T Reinhard
- School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Noah J Planavsky
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haque F, Khalidy R, Chiang YW, Santos RM. Constraining the Capacity of Global Croplands to CO 2 Drawdown via Mineral Weathering. ACS EARTH & SPACE CHEMISTRY 2023; 7:1294-1305. [PMID: 37492628 PMCID: PMC10364810 DOI: 10.1021/acsearthspacechem.2c00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial enhanced weathering of alkaline silicate minerals is a promising climate change mitigation strategy with the potential to limit the global temperature rise. The formation and accumulation of pedogenic carbonate and bicarbonate in soils/subsoils and groundwater offers a large sink for C storage; the amount of soil inorganic carbon (SIC) presently held within soils has been estimated to be 720-950 Gt of C. These values can be augmented by the addition of a variety of calcium and magnesium silicates via enhanced weathering. While the concept of the application of finely milled silicate rocks for faster weathering rates is well established, there has been limited discussion on the role of local climate, natural SIC content (i.e., the SIC innately present in the soil), and soil pH (among other important agronomic factors) on silicate weathering when applied to croplands, especially in view that the aim is to establish terrestrial enhanced weathering as a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy on a global scale. In this work, we emphasized the importance of soil pH and soil temperature on silicate weathering and looked to estimate an upper limit of (i.e., constrain) the global capacity until the year 2100 for enhanced rock weathering (ERW) to draw down CO2 in the form of accumulated pedogenic carbonate or soluble bicarbonate. We assessed the global spatial distribution of cropland soil pH, which serves as a proxy for local innate SIC; annual rate of pluvial (rainfall) precipitation; and soil temperature, and found that the potential CO2 drawdown difference between faster and slower weathering silicates is narrower in Asia, Africa, and South America, while the gap is larger for Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Haque
- School
of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department
of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Reza Khalidy
- School
of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Yi Wai Chiang
- School
of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Rafael M. Santos
- School
of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Calabrese S, Wild B, Bertagni MB, Bourg IC, White C, Aburto F, Cipolla G, Noto LV, Porporato A. Nano- to Global-Scale Uncertainties in Terrestrial Enhanced Weathering. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:15261-15272. [PMID: 36269897 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced weathering (EW) is one of the most promising negative emissions technologies urgently needed to limit global warming to at least below 2 °C, a goal recently reaffirmed at the UN Global Climate Change conference (i.e., COP26). EW relies on the accelerated dissolution of crushed silicate rocks applied to soils and is considered a sustainable solution requiring limited technology. While EW has a high theoretical potential of sequestering CO2, research is still needed to provide accurate estimates of carbon (C) sequestration when applying different silicate materials across distinct climates and major soil types in combination with a variety of plants. Here we elaborate on fundamental advances that must be addressed before EW can be extensively adopted. These include identifying the most suitable environmental conditions, improving estimates of field dissolution rates and efficacy of CO2 removal, and identifying alternative sources of silicate materials to meet future EW demands. We conclude with considerations on the necessity of integrated modeling-experimental approaches to better coordinate future field experiments and measurements of CO2 removal, as well as on the importance of seamlessly coordinating EW with cropland and forest management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Calabrese
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, 333 Spence St., College Station, Texas77843, United States
| | - Bastien Wild
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 59 Olden St., Princeton, New Jersey08540, United States
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 59 Olden St., Princeton, New Jersey08540, United States
| | - Matteo B Bertagni
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Guyot Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Ian C Bourg
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 59 Olden St., Princeton, New Jersey08540, United States
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Guyot Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - Claire White
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 59 Olden St., Princeton, New Jersey08540, United States
- Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, 59 Olden St., Princeton, New Jersey08540, United States
| | - Felipe Aburto
- Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, 370 Olsen Blvd., College Station, Texas77843, United States
| | - Giuseppe Cipolla
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Leonardo V Noto
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 90128Palermo, PA, Italy
| | - Amilcare Porporato
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, 59 Olden St., Princeton, New Jersey08540, United States
- High Meadows Environmental Institute, Guyot Hall, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abdalla M, Espenberg M, Zavattaro L, Lellei-Kovacs E, Mander U, Smith K, Thorman R, Damatirca C, Schils R, Ten-Berge H, Newell-Price P, Smith P. Does liming grasslands increase biomass productivity without causing detrimental impacts on net greenhouse gas emissions? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 300:118999. [PMID: 35176412 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soil acidification has negative impacts on grass biomass production and the potential of grasslands to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Through a global review of research on liming of grasslands, the objective of this paper was to assess the impacts of liming on soil pH, grass biomass production and total net GHG exchange (nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and net carbon dioxide (CO2)). We collected 57 studies carried out at 88 sites and covering different countries and climatic zones. All of the studies examined showed that liming either reduced or had no effects on the emissions of two potent greenhouse gases (N2O and CH4). Though liming of grasslands can increase net CO2 emissions, the impact on total net GHG emission is minimal due to the higher global warming potential, over a 100-year period, of N2O and CH4 compared to that of CO2. Liming grassland delivers many potential advantages, which justify its wider adoption. It significantly ameliorates soil acidity, increases grass productivity, reduces fertiliser requirement and increases species richness. To realise the maximum benefit of liming grassland, we suggest that acidic soils should be moderately limed within the context of specific climates, soils and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdalla
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom.
| | - Mikk Espenberg
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom; Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Laura Zavattaro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | | | - Ulo Mander
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | | | - Claudia Damatirca
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Rene Schils
- Agrosystems Research, Wageningen Plant Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hein Ten-Berge
- Agrosystems Research, Wageningen Plant Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Pete Smith
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bullock LA, Yang A, Darton RC. Kinetics-informed global assessment of mine tailings for CO 2 removal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 808:152111. [PMID: 34871673 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chemically reactive mine tailings are a potential resource for drawing down carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in mineral weathering schemes. Such carbon dioxide removal (CDR) systems, applied on a large scale, could help to meet internationally agreed targets for minimising climate change, but crucially we need to identify what materials could react fast enough to provide CDR at relevant climate change mitigation timescales. This study focuses on a range of silicate-dominated tailings, calculating their CDR potential from their chemical composition (specific capacity), estimated global production rates, and the speed of weathering under different reaction conditions. Tailings containing high abundances of olivine, serpentine and diopside show the highest CDR potential due to their favourable kinetics. We conclude that the most suitable tailings for CDR purposes are those associated with olivine dunites, diamond kimberlites, asbestos and talc serpentinites, Ni sulphides, and PGM layered mafic intrusions. We estimate the average annual global CDR potential of tailings weathered over the 70-year period 2030-2100 to be ~93 (unimproved conditions) to 465 (improved conditions) Mt/year. Results indicate that at least 30 countries possess tailings materials that, under improved conditions, may offer a route for CDR which is not currently utilised within the mining industry. By 2100, the total cumulative CDR could reach some 33 GtCO2, of which more than 60% is contributed by PGM tailings produced in Southern Africa, Russia, and North America. The global CDR potential could be increased by utilization of historic tailings and implementing measures to further enhance chemical reaction rates. If practical considerations can be addressed and enhanced weathering rates can be achieved, then CDR from suitable tailings could contribute significantly to national offset goals and global targets. More research is needed to establish the potential and practicality of this technology, including measurements of the mineral weathering kinetics under various conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam A Bullock
- Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Aidong Yang
- Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard C Darton
- Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Towards Indicators for a Negative Emissions Climate Stabilisation Index: Problems and Prospects. CLIMATE 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/cli8060075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The incongruence between the United Nations objective to hold global warming well below 2 °C and the rate of global emission reductions has intensified interest in negative emissions. Previous research has explored several pros and cons of individual negative emissions technologies. Systematised approaches to comparing and prioritising among them are, however, largely lacking. In response to this gap in the literature, this article reviews the scientific literature on indicators for designing negative emissions climate stabilisation value indexes. An index typically provides summary measures of several components, often denoted indicators. Utilizing a narrative review methodology, the article derives five categories of indicators underpinned by overlapping and often mutually reinforcing environmental and socio-economic values. A list of 21 indicators are proposed to capture both positive and negative values associated with effectiveness, efficiency, scale, risk, and synergies. While discussing indicators capable of providing guidance on negative emissions is timely, given the emerging shift away from pure emission reduction targets towards net-zero targets, numerous complexities are involved in determining their relative values. The results herein serve to inform policy making on the prioritisation and incentivisation of negative emissions technologies capable of delivering on the new objectives, and the results highlight the many risks and uncertainties involved in such exercises. The article concludes that systematic research on the comparison of NETs is incomplete. An iterative, interdisciplinary research programme exploring such questions has the potential to be extremely rewarding.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kelland ME, Wade PW, Lewis AL, Taylor LL, Sarkar B, Andrews MG, Lomas MR, Cotton TEA, Kemp SJ, James RH, Pearce CR, Hartley SE, Hodson ME, Leake JR, Banwart SA, Beerling DJ. Increased yield and CO 2 sequestration potential with the C 4 cereal Sorghum bicolor cultivated in basaltic rock dust-amended agricultural soil. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:3658-3676. [PMID: 32314496 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Land-based enhanced rock weathering (ERW) is a biogeochemical carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy aiming to accelerate natural geological processes of carbon sequestration through application of crushed silicate rocks, such as basalt, to croplands and forested landscapes. However, the efficacy of the approach when undertaken with basalt, and its potential co-benefits for agriculture, require experimental and field evaluation. Here we report that amending a UK clay-loam agricultural soil with a high loading (10 kg/m2 ) of relatively coarse-grained crushed basalt significantly increased the yield (21 ± 9.4%, SE) of the important C4 cereal Sorghum bicolor under controlled environmental conditions, without accumulation of potentially toxic trace elements in the seeds. Yield increases resulted from the basalt treatment after 120 days without P- and K-fertilizer addition. Shoot silicon concentrations also increased significantly (26 ± 5.4%, SE), with potential benefits for crop resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Elemental budgets indicate substantial release of base cations important for inorganic carbon removal and their accumulation mainly in the soil exchangeable pools. Geochemical reactive transport modelling, constrained by elemental budgets, indicated CO2 sequestration rates of 2-4 t CO2 /ha, 1-5 years after a single application of basaltic rock dust, including via newly formed soil carbonate minerals whose long-term fate requires assessment through field trials. This represents an approximately fourfold increase in carbon capture compared to control plant-soil systems without basalt. Our results build support for ERW deployment as a CDR technique compatible with spreading basalt powder on acidic loamy soils common across millions of hectares of western European and North American agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike E Kelland
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Peter W Wade
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Amy L Lewis
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lyla L Taylor
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - M Grace Andrews
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark R Lomas
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - T E Anne Cotton
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon J Kemp
- British Geological Survey, Environmental Science Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rachael H James
- School of Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Sue E Hartley
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mark E Hodson
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jonathan R Leake
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Steven A Banwart
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- Global Food and Environment Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David J Beerling
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Extreme climate change due to heat-trapping gases, especially carbon dioxide, necessitates its mitigation. In this context, the carbon dioxide sequestration technology of enhanced weathering has for years been investigated, with a possible implementation strategy via alkaline mineral soil amendment being more recently proposed. Candidate materials for enhanced weathering include calcium and magnesium silicates, most notably those belonging to the olivine, pyroxene and serpentine groups of minerals, given their reactivity with CO2 and global availability. When these finely crushed silicate rocks are applied to the soil, the alkaline earth metal cations released during mineral weathering gradually react with carbonate anions and results in the formation of pedogenic carbonates, which, over time, and under the right conditions, can accumulate in the soil. This review paper critically reviews the available literature on alkaline mineral soil amendments and its potential to sequester enough CO2 to be considered a climate change ‘stabilization wedge’. Firstly, evidence of how agricultural soil can serve as a carbon sink in discussed, based on the observed accumulation of inorganic carbon in alkaline mineral-amended soils. Secondly, the impact of alkaline minerals on agricultural soil and crops, and the factors determining the rate of the weathering process are assessed. Lastly, the CO2 sequestration potential via alkaline mineral soil amendment is quantified according to an idealized shrinking core model, which shows that it has the potential to serve as a climate change stabilization wedge.
Collapse
|
15
|
Acid Neutralization by Mining Waste Dissolution under Conditions Relevant for Agricultural Applications. GEOSCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences8100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The acidification of agricultural soils in high rainfall regions is usually countered by the application of finely ground calcite or dolomite. As this carbonate dissolves, soil pH is raised, but CO2 is released. Mining activities often produce large quantities of very fine silicate rock-derived powders that are commonly deposited in stockpiles. However, the dissolution of such powders can also result in an increase in pH, without any direct release of CO2. Of particular interest are those silicate powders that have a high reactivity and higher capacity for raising pH. In this contribution, we report experimental work addressing the dissolution of various silicate rock-derived powders that were produced during mining activities in Norway under conditions that were representative of weathering in agricultural soils. Three different powders—derived from Åheim dunite, Stjernøya nepheline syenite, or Tellnes ilmenite norite—were exposed to different acids at pH 4 in unstirred flow cells, and dissolution or leaching kinetics were determined from the changes in the fluid composition. Based on these kinetics, pH neutralization rates were determined for the individual powders and compared to expected values for carbonates. Based on this comparison, it is concluded that the application of silicate rock-derived powder dissolution to replace carbonate-based liming may not be feasible due to slower reaction rates, unless larger quantities of a finer particle size than normal are used. The application of larger volumes of slower-reacting silicates may have the additional benefit of reducing the required frequency of liming.
Collapse
|
16
|
Beerling DJ, Leake JR, Long SP, Scholes JD, Ton J, Nelson PN, Bird M, Kantzas E, Taylor LL, Sarkar B, Kelland M, DeLucia E, Kantola I, Müller C, Rau G, Hansen J. Farming with crops and rocks to address global climate, food and soil security. NATURE PLANTS 2018; 4:138-147. [PMID: 29459727 DOI: 10.1038/s41477-018-0108-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The magnitude of future climate change could be moderated by immediately reducing the amount of CO2 entering the atmosphere as a result of energy generation and by adopting strategies that actively remove CO2 from it. Biogeochemical improvement of soils by adding crushed, fast-reacting silicate rocks to croplands is one such CO2-removal strategy. This approach has the potential to improve crop production, increase protection from pests and diseases, and restore soil fertility and structure. Managed croplands worldwide are already equipped for frequent rock dust additions to soils, making rapid adoption at scale feasible, and the potential benefits could generate financial incentives for widespread adoption in the agricultural sector. However, there are still obstacles to be surmounted. Audited field-scale assessments of the efficacy of CO2 capture are urgently required together with detailed environmental monitoring. A cost-effective way to meet the rock requirements for CO2 removal must be found, possibly involving the recycling of silicate waste materials. Finally, issues of public perception, trust and acceptance must also be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Beerling
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
| | - Jonathan R Leake
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Stephen P Long
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Julie D Scholes
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jurriaan Ton
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul N Nelson
- College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Bird
- College of Science and Engineering and Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Euripides Kantzas
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lyla L Taylor
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Binoy Sarkar
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mike Kelland
- Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Evan DeLucia
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ilsa Kantola
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | | | - Greg Rau
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - James Hansen
- Earth Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Edwards DP, Lim F, James RH, Pearce CR, Scholes J, Freckleton RP, Beerling DJ. Climate change mitigation: potential benefits and pitfalls of enhanced rock weathering in tropical agriculture. Biol Lett 2017; 13:rsbl.2016.0715. [PMID: 28381631 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2016.0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Restricting future global temperature increase to 2°C or less requires the adoption of negative emissions technologies for carbon capture and storage. We review the potential for deployment of enhanced weathering (EW), via the application of crushed reactive silicate rocks (such as basalt), on over 680 million hectares of tropical agricultural and tree plantations to offset fossil fuel CO2 emissions. Warm tropical climates and productive crops will substantially enhance weathering rates, with potential co-benefits including decreased soil acidification and increased phosphorus supply promoting higher crop yields sparing forest for conservation, and reduced cultural eutrophication. Potential pitfalls include the impacts of mining operations on deforestation, producing the energy to crush and transport silicates and the erosion of silicates into rivers and coral reefs that increases inorganic turbidity, sedimentation and pH, with unknown impacts for biodiversity. We identify nine priority research areas for untapping the potential of EW in the tropics, including effectiveness of tropical agriculture at EW for major crops in relation to particle sizes and soil types, impacts on human health, and effects on farmland, adjacent forest and stream-water biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David P Edwards
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Felix Lim
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Rachael H James
- Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Christopher R Pearce
- National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton Waterfront Campus, European Way, Southampton SO14 3ZH, UK
| | - Julie Scholes
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Robert P Freckleton
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - David J Beerling
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Montserrat F, Renforth P, Hartmann J, Leermakers M, Knops P, Meysman FJR. Olivine Dissolution in Seawater: Implications for CO 2 Sequestration through Enhanced Weathering in Coastal Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:3960-3972. [PMID: 28281750 PMCID: PMC5382570 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced weathering of (ultra)basic silicate rocks such as olivine-rich dunite has been proposed as a large-scale climate engineering approach. When implemented in coastal environments, olivine weathering is expected to increase seawater alkalinity, thus resulting in additional CO2 uptake from the atmosphere. However, the mechanisms of marine olivine weathering and its effect on seawater-carbonate chemistry remain poorly understood. Here, we present results from batch reaction experiments, in which forsteritic olivine was subjected to rotational agitation in different seawater media for periods of days to months. Olivine dissolution caused a significant increase in alkalinity of the seawater with a consequent DIC increase due to CO2 invasion, thus confirming viability of the basic concept of enhanced silicate weathering. However, our experiments also identified several important challenges with respect to the detailed quantification of the CO2 sequestration efficiency under field conditions, which include nonstoichiometric dissolution, potential pore water saturation in the seabed, and the potential occurrence of secondary reactions. Before enhanced weathering of olivine in coastal environments can be considered an option for realizing negative CO2 emissions for climate mitigation purposes, these aspects need further experimental assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Montserrat
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Phil Renforth
- School
of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT United Kingdom
| | - Jens Hartmann
- Institute
for Geology, Center for Earth System research and sustainability (CEN), Universität Hamburg, Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martine Leermakers
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pol Knops
- Green
Minerals B.V., Boulevard
17, 6127 AX Grevenbicht, The Netherlands
| | - Filip J. R. Meysman
- Department
of Analytical, Environmental and Geo-Chemistry, Free University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Aarhus
Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus
University, Hoegh-Guldbergs
Gade 6B, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- NIOZ Royal
Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Estuarine and
Delta Systems, and Utrecht University, Korringaweg 7, 4401 NT Yerseke, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Low Hesperian PCO2 constrained from in situ mineralogical analysis at Gale Crater, Mars. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:2166-2170. [PMID: 28167765 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616649114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon dioxide is an essential atmospheric component in martian climate models that attempt to reconcile a faint young sun with planetwide evidence of liquid water in the Noachian and Early Hesperian. In this study, we use mineral and contextual sedimentary environmental data measured by the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Rover Curiosity to estimate the atmospheric partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) coinciding with a long-lived lake system in Gale Crater at ∼3.5 Ga. A reaction-transport model that simulates mineralogy observed within the Sheepbed member at Yellowknife Bay (YKB), by coupling mineral equilibria with carbonate precipitation kinetics and rates of sedimentation, indicates atmospheric PCO2 levels in the 10s mbar range. At such low PCO2 levels, existing climate models are unable to warm Hesperian Mars anywhere near the freezing point of water, and other gases are required to raise atmospheric pressure to prevent lake waters from being lost to the atmosphere. Thus, either lacustrine features of Gale formed in a cold environment by a mechanism yet to be determined, or the climate models still lack an essential component that would serve to elevate surface temperatures, at least locally, on Hesperian Mars. Our results also impose restrictions on the potential role of atmospheric CO2 in inferred warmer conditions and valley network formation of the late Noachian.
Collapse
|
20
|
Yan H, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Liu R, Zheng C. CO 2 Sequestration by Direct Aqueous Mineral Carbonation under Low-Medium Pressure Conditions. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING OF JAPAN 2015. [DOI: 10.1252/jcej.14we381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Junying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Yongchun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Rui Liu
- Changchun Institute of Technology
| | - Chuguang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moosdorf N, Renforth P, Hartmann J. Carbon dioxide efficiency of terrestrial enhanced weathering. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:4809-4816. [PMID: 24597739 DOI: 10.1021/es4052022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial enhanced weathering, the spreading of ultramafic silicate rock flour to enhance natural weathering rates, has been suggested as part of a strategy to reduce global atmospheric CO2 levels. We budget potential CO2 sequestration against associated CO2 emissions to assess the net CO2 removal of terrestrial enhanced weathering. We combine global spatial data sets of potential source rocks, transport networks, and application areas with associated CO2 emissions in optimistic and pessimistic scenarios. The results show that the choice of source rocks and material comminution technique dominate the CO2 efficiency of enhanced weathering. CO2 emissions from transport amount to on average 0.5-3% of potentially sequestered CO2. The emissions of material mining and application are negligible. After accounting for all emissions, 0.5-1.0 t CO2 can be sequestered on average per tonne of rock, translating into a unit cost from 1.6 to 9.9 GJ per tonne CO2 sequestered by enhanced weathering. However, to control or reduce atmospheric CO2 concentrations substantially with enhanced weathering would require very large amounts of rock. Before enhanced weathering could be applied on large scales, more research is needed to assess weathering rates, potential side effects, social acceptability, and mechanisms of governance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Moosdorf
- Institute for Geology, Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), University of Hamburg , Bundesstraße 55, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|