Research Benjamin Van Heurck

Abstract

Enhanced silicate weathering (ESW) is an approach that targets for the deliberate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere in order to reach the targets of the Paris climate agreement. During chemical weathering of silicate minerals, a dissolution process is initiated, which binds CO2 from the atmosphere in aqueous form. Hence, by introducing fast-weathering silicate minerals in locations with high weathering rates, like the coastal zone, one could potentially create a CO2 sink. One important assumption is that silicate weathering in natural coastal sediments could be substantially promoted by local biota. Macrofauna can stimulate silicate weathering through deposit feeding activities and bio-irrigation. Microbiota can stimulate silicate weathering through metabolic dissolution and acidification of the pore water. Here we will examine this "benthic weathering engine" hypothesis via dedicated microcosm and mesocosm experiments and by field investigations at sites with intense natural silicate weathering. The research proposed will provide insights into the role of biota in current day global cycling of carbon and silicon, while at the same time, it will help quantifying the CO2 sequestration potential and ecosystem impact of CO2 drawdown approaches that are urgently needed for climate stabilization.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meysman Filip
• Fellow: Van Heurck Benjamin

Research team(s)

• Geobiology

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Enhanced silicate weathering (ESW) is an approach that targets for the deliberate removal of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere in order to reach the targets of the Paris climate agreement. During chemical weathering of silicate minerals, a dissolution process is initiated, which binds CO2 from the atmosphere in aqueous form. Hence, by introducing fast-weathering silicate minerals in locations with high weathering rates, like the coastal zone, one could potentially create a CO2 sink. One important assumption is that silicate weathering in natural coastal sediments could be substantially promoted by local biota. Macrofauna can stimulate silicate weathering through deposit feeding activities and bio-irrigation. Microbiota can stimulate silicate weathering through metabolic dissolution and acidification of the pore water. Here we will examine this "benthic weathering engine" hypothesis via dedicated microcosm and mesocosm experiments and by field investigations at sites with intense natural silcate weathering. The research proposed will provide insights into the role of biota in current day global cycling of carbon and silicon, while at the same time, they will help quantifying the CO2 sequestration potential and ecosystem impact of CO2 drawdown approaches that are urgently needed for climate stabilization.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meysman Filip
• Fellow: Van Heurck Benjamin

Research team(s)

• Geobiology

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project