Enhanced carbonate dissolution: a means of sequestering waste CO_2 as ocean bicarbonate

摘要

The reaction of a mineral carbonate, such as limestone, with water and CO_2 to form bicarbonate in solution, is explored as CO_2 mitigation strategy. Initical cost estimates for such a process range from $18 to $128 per tonne CO_2 sequestered, with an energy penalty of about 8/100 and with relatively low enviornmetnla impact. The regional availability and transport of water and mineral carbonate appear to be the primary determinants of the strategy's ost and applicability. The bicarbonate-rich waste effluent would be released into rivers or coastal waters, ultimately adding a small amount to the existing, very large bicarbonate reservior in the ocean.