Determining the Impact of Mineral Carbonation on Decreasing the Harmful Effects of Global Warming

Determining the Impact of Mineral Carbonation on Decreasing the Harmful Effects of Global Warming

Global warming is a major dilemma that our environment is currently facing. This research presents mineral carbonation as one innovative solution in alleviating this issue. The purpose of mineral carbonation is to lessen the harmful effects of global warming. This is done by combining carbon dioxide with magnesium or calcium silicate minerals through a chemical reaction. This process converts carbon dioxide gas into a solid carbonate compound. The reactions aim is to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in turn lessening its negative effects. Mineral carbonation appears to be an effective method to decrease the harmful effects of global warming. However, when the cost of this process was calculated it was found that currently it is not economically feasible. Storing carbon dioxide in underground aquifers was also investigated as an alternative method.