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Antacid-Infused Sand to Potentially Slow Global Warming, Start-Up Says

Antacid-infused sand is being added to the ocean in an attempt to combat global warming, but scientists remain unsure of its effectiveness. Vesta, a San Francisco-based climate start-up, is conducting a two-year experiment off North Sea Beach in New York, using olivine crystals to enhance the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The concept, known as ocean alkalinity enhancement, aims to accelerate the natural process of geochemical weathering, which transfers CO2 from the atmosphere to the deep ocean and Earth’s crust. While initial results seem promising, concerns remain regarding the speed of the reactions and potential environmental impacts.

Source: Vesta/YouTube

Ocean alkalinization has gained attention as a potential solution for removing carbon from the atmosphere, given that oceans currently absorb a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike complex biological approaches, such as fertilizing phytoplankton or seaweed farming, ocean alkalinization relies on predictable chemistry and physics, making it an attractive option for researchers. Proponents argue that if applied correctly, it would have minimal impact on marine life.

Vesta’s project involved adding nearly 400 cubic meters of olivine, comprising approximately 5% of the newly added sand, to the North Sea Beach. The company tracked the movement and dissolution of olivine crystals over several months, finding that the process appeared to be working as planned.

While Vesta’s experiment has focused on olivine, other companies are exploring alternative approaches. Planetary Technologies, a Canadian company, is experimenting with magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia. Magnesium hydroxide has the advantage of being already used in wastewater treatment, and its timed-release properties could prevent rapid alkalinity spikes in the ocean. However, challenges such as energy-intensive production methods and potential environmental consequences still need to be addressed.

The field of ocean alkalinization requires further research and assessment of its potential risks and benefits. Various projects are underway to study the impact of these technologies on marine ecosystems and quantify their effectiveness in removing CO2 from the atmosphere. The Ocean Alk-align consortium, led by oceanographer Katja Fennel, aims to evaluate large-scale atmospheric CO2 removal using ocean alkalinization through modeling and field experiments.

As scientists and start-ups explore unconventional methods to combat Climate change, the enthusiasm for ocean-based solutions is providing opportunities for researchers and venture capitalists alike. However, the efficacy and long-term consequences of these technologies remain uncertain, and transparency and scientific rigor will be crucial in assessing their potential as viable climate solutions.

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