Articles | Volume 23, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-399-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-399-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| Highlight paper
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14 Jan 2026
Research article | Highlight paper |
| 14 Jan 2026
| 14 Jan 2026
The carbon dioxide removal potential of cement and lime kiln dust via ocean alkalinity enhancement
Gunter Flipkens
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Geobiology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Greet Lembregts
Geobiology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Filip J.R. Meysman
Geobiology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Tom Huysmans, Filip J. R. Meysman, and Sebastiaan J. van de Velde
Biogeosciences, 22, 5557–5572, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-5557-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-5557-2025, 2025
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To examine the potential of accelerated weathering of limestone as a CO2 mitigation technique, we describe AWL thermodynamically as a four-step process, thus providing a model framework that allows us to calculate the efficiency of the different steps as well as the overall CO2 sequestration potential. We then review the different reactor designs that have been proposed for the AWL process in recent years and evaluate their efficiency and potential in terms of CO2 emission mitigation capacity.
Clare Woulds, Dick Van Oevelen, Silvia Hidalgo-Martinez, and Filip Meysman
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3676, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3676, 2025
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Marine sediments are locations of carbon storage. Only some deposited carbon remains stored, while most is lost as CO2 through respiration by organisms. We report experiments to investigate the organisms responsible for marine sediment respiration. Larger organisms and microbes contributed equally to respiration. The groups competed to feed on fresh carbon. Respiration of older carbon was stimulated when both groups were present, thus burrowing activities allow microbial activity to increase.
Luna J. J. Geerts, Astrid Hylén, and Filip J. R. Meysman
Biogeosciences, 22, 355–384, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-355-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-22-355-2025, 2025
Short summary
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Marine enhanced rock weathering (mERW) with olivine is a promising method for capturing CO2 from the atmosphere, yet studies in field conditions are lacking. We bridge the gap between theoretical studies and the real-world environment by estimating the predictability of mERW parameters and identifying aspects to consider when applying mERW. A major source of uncertainty is the lack of experimental studies with sediment, which can heavily influence the speed and efficiency of CO2 drawdown.
Ulf Riebesell, Daniela Basso, Sonja Geilert, Andrew W. Dale, and Matthias Kreuzburg
State Planet, 2-oae2023, 6, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-2-oae2023-6-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sp-2-oae2023-6-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Mesocosm experiments represent a highly valuable tool in determining the safe operating space of ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) applications. By combining realism and biological complexity with controllability and replication, they provide an ideal OAE test bed and a critical stepping stone towards field applications. Mesocosm approaches can also be helpful in testing the efficacy, efficiency and permanence of OAE applications.
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Co-editor-in-chief
This study uses carefully designed laboratory experiments to explore the potential of cement and lime kiln dust as feedstocks for ocean alkalinity enhancement, providing new insights into their capacity to enhance CO₂ uptake and counteract ocean acidification. By quantifying dissolution kinetics, alkalinity release, and potential carbon dioxide removal, the authors highlight both the promise of these widely available industrial by-products and the limitations associated with scalability and environmental impacts. Importantly, the work offers a balanced assessment of the benefits and risks of kiln dust deployment, making it highly relevant to the scientific community and to broader discussions on viable and responsible carbon dioxide removal strategies.
This study uses carefully designed laboratory experiments to explore the potential of cement and...
Short summary
Cement and lime kiln dust, industrial by-products, could help remove CO2 from the atmosphere by increasing surface ocean alkalinity. Lab experiments showed that a fraction dissolves rapidly in seawater, releasing substantial alkalinity. Most of the residual fraction may dissolve in marine sediments to drive further carbon storage. Both materials could thus aid in global CO2 removal, but careful application strategies are required to avoid harm to marine ecosystems.
Cement and lime kiln dust, industrial by-products, could help remove CO2 from the atmosphere by...
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