Ocean disposal of CO{sub 2}: A current assessment of feasibility, cost, and effects
- Univ. of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (United States)
The ocean represents a huge natural reservoir for carbon dioxide disposal, since it covers 70% of the Earth`s surface and has an average depth of 3,800 m. More importantly, the deeper layers are highly unsaturated with CO{sub 2}, containing typically 0.1 kgm{sup {minus}3}, whereas the solubility is in the order of 40 kgm{sup {minus}3}. The problems of deep ocean disposal are of a technical, economic, ecologic and legal nature. In order to assure a sufficiently long residence time in the ocean, CO{sub 2} has to be injected below the thermocline, 1,000 m or deeper. Current pipe-laying technology may allow a release down to 1,000 m. There are only a limited number of coastal sites on the industrialized continents from whence direct pipeline access to 1,000 m depth is feasible. Pipe-laying costs are estimated in the $1--2 million per km, exclusive of the release system cost. While global effects of CO{sub 2} disposal in the ocean are considered negligible, local effects on aquatic life around the discharge point may raise concerns. The turbulent, anoxic, acidic plume may have adverse effects on mesopelagic organisms, and the sinking hydrate particles may bury benthic creatures. 37 refs., 2 figs.
- OSTI ID:
- 182859
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940426-; ISBN 0-923204-11-3; TRN: IM9608%%224
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International conference on global climate change: science, policy and mitigation strategies, Phoenix, AZ (United States), 5-8 Apr 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Global climate change: Science, policy, and mitigation strategies. Proceedings of the Air and Waste Management Association international specialty conference; Mathai, C.V. [ed.] [Arizona Public Service Co., Phoenix, AZ (United States)]; Stensland, G. [ed.] [Illinois State Water Survey, Champaign, IL (United States)]; PB: 1117 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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