Chinese scientists have found that burying carbon dioxide in marine sediment in deep sea is "generally safe and permanent," giving support to the way to capture and store the green house gas.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is considered a promising way to reduce carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change. Conventional methods include injecting the gas into deep saline aquifers, oil and gas fields, and coal seams.
A team led by Zhang Dongxiao from Peking University explored storing carbon dioxide in deep-sea sediments and found that extreme conditions at the bottom of the ocean help hold the gas in place.
Under great pressure and at low temperature, carbon dioxide and water trapped in the sediment below the sea floor create "hydrate clogs" that can serve as a "impermeable cap" impeding the gas from flowing upward, according to the research.
Carbon dioxide stored in this method is not in direct contact with the water, preventing any environmental impact on the sea.
"Data from our simulation show that storing carbon dioxide in deep-sea sediments is viable," Zhang said.
The equipment used for injecting the carbon dioxide is similar to the semi-submersible offshore platform for drilling combustible ice, and scientists are exploring the possibility of conducting experiments on these platforms, Zhang said.
The research findings were published in the latest issue of journal Science Advances this week. (Xinhua)
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