Sequestration of Atmospheric Carbon: The Technology and Science of Harvesting Anthropogenic Released CO2

From Science Online

Contents 1 Sequestration As An Escape 2 Carbon Sequestration: Defined 3 Areas with Potential for Sequestration 4 Different Methods 5 Are there any side-effects or other problems? 6 Related Laws and Regulations 7 How much carbon can be sequestered? 8 Current Projects

Sequestration As An Escape

CO₂ levels in the atmosphere have risen to a radical 375 parts per million (ppm) since the preindustrial level of only 280 ppm. Evidence from many studies leads scientists to believe that such a dramatic rise in CO₂ levels can be attributed to the increased use of fossil fuels for energy. The newest way to manage carbon and reduce its concentration level in the atmosphere is carbon sequestration. (Office of Science)

Carbon Sequestration: Defined

Carbon sequestration (also referred to as CCS, Carbon Capture and Sequestration) is the term used for the process of removing carbon from the atmosphere, whether naturally or artificially, for the purpose of later storing it long-term. Humans have been using it more recently as a means of lessening the effects of global warming, and many methods are currently being explored. It is a simple way to store carbon without getting in the way of energy supplies. Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum

Areas with Potential for Sequestration

There is potential for carbon sequestration all over the world; it is not a process limited by location. Carbon sequestration is happening naturally in the forests and oceans especially, as much carbon dioxide can be absorbed near those areas; however, artificial sequestration may be performed by using lumber efficiently, injecting carbon into soils or the deep ocean, or many other means. (Office of Science)

Different Methods

Terrestrial Sequestration

  This method refers to the process in which carbon is stored in living
trees, plants, and crops through photosynthesis. Over time, forests and
groups of such plants can become carbon sinks.   

Phytoplankton Fertilization

  Phytoplankton are fed nutrients and subsequently bloom. They eventually
sink to the bottom of the ocean floor, storing carbon indefinitely.

Deep Sea Injection

  Deep Sea Injection Simply refers to the injection of carbon into the
ocean's floor in very deep places.

Are there any side-effects or other problems?

While many relatively new environment-related practices often have plenty of dangers and associated problems, sequestration often actually iproves the surrounding environment as well as the quality of life for living organisms in the surrounding area. The only usually noted small downfall of sequestration is the possibility of loss of biodiversity in certain areas.

However, there is one more thing to consider when deciding upon the net worth of carbon sequestration as a whole: the energy required to make it work. While sequestration ultimately eliminates plenty atmospheric carbon, geosequestration uses much more energy than is environmentally friendly just in the effort to compress the carbon into a liquid and also to pump it into the ground. (US Environmental Protection Agency )

Related Laws and Regulations

The Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, specifically, the Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is a law in place that affects C sequestration. The Protocol establishes that the signatory countries must maintain a reduced amount of CO₂ emissions, or find a way to remove or store such Carbon, often using the method of sequestration.

How much carbon can be sequestered?

Each of the different methods of sequestration can store different amounts of carbon at a time. Carbon stored in the ocean is difficult to measure, so a fairly accurate estimate has not yet been made. However, carbon sequestered in forests and agriculturally can be easily quantified. Rates in these areas vary with tree species, soil type, regional climate, topography and management practice. Rates range from about 0.1 to 1 metric ton of carbon stored per year.

Current Projects

The most outstanding project now involving sequestration is that started by a Norwegian energy firm called Statoil. It is injecting 1 million tons of CO₂ a year from the Sleipner gas field into a saline aquifer that is located 800 meters beneath the sea bed of the the North Sea. (Gumbel, 2007) This is likely due to the fact that, in 1991, Norway became the first country to put a federal tax on atmospheric CO₂ emissions.

References