Unraveling the rapid CO2 mineralization experiment using the Paraná flood basalts of South America.

ABSTRACT

CO2 capture and storage in geological reservoirs have the potential to significantly mitigate the effects of anthropogenic gas emissions on global climate. Here, we report the results of the first laboratory experiments of CO2 injection in continental flood basalts of South America. The results show that the analyzed basalts have a mineral assemblage, texture and composition that efficiently allows a fast carbonate precipitation that starts 72 h after injection. Based on the availability of calcium, chemical monitoring indicates an estimated CO2 storage of ~ 75%. The carbonate precipitation led to the precipitation of aragonite (75.9%), dolomite (19.6%), and calcite (4.6%).