Rapid removal of atmospheric CO2 by urban soils

Washbourne, C.-L., Lopez-Capel, E., Renforth, P., Ascough, P. L. and Manning, D. A.C. (2015) Rapid removal of atmospheric CO2 by urban soils. Environmental Science and Technology, 49(9), pp. 5434-5440. (doi: 10.1021/es505476d) (PMID:25837769)

[img]
Preview
Text
105666.pdf - Published Version

5MB

Abstract

The measured calcium carbonate content of soils to a depth of 100 mm at a large urban development site has increased over 18 months at a rate that corresponds to the sequestration of 85 t of CO2/ha (8.5 kg of CO2 m–2) annually. This is a consequence of rapid weathering of calcium silicate and hydroxide minerals derived from the demolition of concrete structures, which releases Ca that combines with CO2 ultimately derived from the atmosphere, precipitating as calcite. Stable isotope data confirm an atmospheric origin for carbonate carbon, and 14C dating indicates the predominance of modern carbon in the pedogenic calcite. Trial pits show that carbonation extends to depths of ≥1 m. Work at other sites shows that the occurrence of pedogenic carbonates is widespread in artificially created urban soils containing Ca and Mg silicate minerals. Appropriate management of fewer than 12000 ha of urban land to maximize calcite precipitation has the potential to remove 1 million t of CO2 from the atmosphere annually. The maximal global potential is estimated to be approximately 700–1200 Mt of CO2 per year (representing 2.0–3.7% of total emissions from fossil fuel combustion) based on current rates of production of industry-derived Ca- and Mg-bearing materials.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ascough, Dr Philippa
Authors: Washbourne, C.-L., Lopez-Capel, E., Renforth, P., Ascough, P. L., and Manning, D. A.C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Environmental Science and Technology
Publisher:American Chemical Society
ISSN:0013-936X
ISSN (Online):2328-8930
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 American Chemical Society
First Published:First published in Environmental Science and Technology 49(9):5434-5440
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record