Rapid carbon mineralization for permanent disposal of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aad8132
• Publication Date: 2016-06-09T21:57:40Z
• Authors: Juerg M. Matter; Martin Stute; Sandra Ó. Snæbjör...; Eric H. Oelkers; Sigurdur R. Gislason; Edda S. Aradottir; Bergur Sigfusson; Ingvi Gunnarsson; Holmfridur Sigurd...; Einar Gunnlaugsson; Gudni Axelsson; Helgi A. Alfredsson; Domenik Wolff-Boe...; Kiflom Mesfin; Diana Fernandez d...; Jennifer Hall; Knud Dideriksen; Wallace S. Broecker
• Keywords: Carbon fibers

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) provides a solution toward decarbonization of the global economy. The success this depends on ability to safely permanently store CO2 This study demonstrates for first time permanent disposal as environmentally benign carbonate minerals in basaltic rocks. We find that over 95% injected into CarbFix site Iceland was mineralized less than 2 years. result contrasts with common view immobilization within geologic reservoirs takes several hundreds thousands Our results, therefore, demonstrate safe long-term anthropogenic emissions through mineralization can be far faster previously postulated.