Bio-Geomechanics of Carbon Mineralization

      One of the major obstacles in carbon mineralization research has been the failure to observe magnesite precipitation in Mg²⁺- and CO₃^2--saturated solutions at realistic reservoir temperatures.  The limited evidence available suggests a kinetic barrier to the nucleation of magnesite crystals in magnesite-saturated solutions.  In nature, the precipitation of carbonate minerals is often biologically mediated; however, no laboratory studies have been done expressly to study the possible role of microbiota in the catalysis of carbon mineralization reactions, and in general no note is made of the presence of absence of microbiota in chemical kinetic and geomechanical tests preformed in laboratories.  In the interest of exploration of all possible relevant parameters to the carbon sequestration effort, as well as realistic characterization of natural geological settings, the investigation of the role of biologically mediated carbonate precipitation in mafic and ultramafic reservoirs is warranted.

      Carbon sequestration is a nascent field.  Progress in research depends on the individual efforts of many labs working in a variety of fields as well as their collaboration.  While the fields of chemistry, geomechanics and engineering in regards to carbon sequestration have begun to work with one another, the field of biology has been left behind.  It is a living world we seek to heal.  The integration of biology into the carbon sequestration research effort could prove to be crucial.