South Dakota Mines researchers have discovered microbes that they say mineralize CO2 from the air into solid rock.
Carbon capture and sequestration has been a hot topic in the state for the past year. Two carbon pipeline companies requested permits to construct carbon pipelines in the state and both permits were denied by the PUC.
The PUC pipeline hearings brought more attention to the nationwide push for carbon sequestration as a way of fighting climate change.
Regardless of the politics, there’s still a technical issue - keeping captured CO2 underground.
South Dakota Mines researchers said they have a different option with a pending patent.
Gokce Ustunisik is an associate professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at South Dakota Mines. She said this technology could replace carbon capture and sequestration pipelines.
“People will probably still try to use the sedimentary rock, but there is a lot of money wasted for that and a risk associated with that. This is a much longer and secure way of storing. This will be a way that people will be choosing over the ward space, the chemistry of the rocks,” said Ustunisik.
Ustunisik said the pipeline sequestration idea has unavoidable consequences. She said leaks could be caused by geologic faults or pumping problems.
The microbes used in this process were discovered inside the SURF laboratory in Lead.
Ustunisik said the next step is to conduct a field exercise with the microbes by placing wells in strategic locations.
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Categories: South Dakota, General