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Oceans Would Suck Up CO2 in New Plan

Tracy Staedter, Discovery News

The idea is that after the seawater is electrified, it would be mixed with volcanic rocks. The resulting ocean water would not contain any acid. In fact, it would have a high pH level, making it better able to absorb the CO2.

According to the plan, about 100 ocean treatment plants could reduce emissions by 15 percent over several years. About 700 plants could offset all CO2 emissions.

"I like the idea of pulling CO2 out of the air," said David Archer, professor of geophysical sciences at the University of Chicago. But, he added, "If the ultimate strategy is to scrub CO2 out of the atmosphere, it's hard to image that that's the most efficient way. It seems easier to capture it at coal plants, where it's in a concentrated form."

With 160 new coal-fired plants in the planning stages in the United States alone, Archer points out that something has to be done.

House admits that the plan has a way to go before it can be implemented.

"There's a lot of engineering that needs to be worked out before any pilot plant could be built," he said.

For example, sea water is comprised of much more than simple water and salt. It contains organic material, magnesium, and calcium that would make the separation much more complicated.

But, he added, "If it happens that we are unable to reduce emissions at all and climate change ends up being far worse than we thought, then a technology like this could serve as a safety valve."

Related Links:

Tracy Staedter's blog: What the Tech?

Harvard University's Kurt Zenz House

Howstuffworks.com: Greenhouse Gases