Developments since 2005 in understanding potential environmental impacts of CO2 leakage from geological storage

Jones, DG, Beaubien, SE, Blackford, JC, Foekema, EM, Lions, J, De Vittor, C, West, JM, Widdicombe, S, Hauton, C and Queiros, AM 2015 Developments since 2005 in understanding potential environmental impacts of CO2 leakage from geological storage. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2015.05.032

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract/Summary

This paper reviews research into the potential environmental impacts of leakage from geological storage of CO2 since the publication of the IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage in 2005. Possible impacts are considered on onshore (including drinking water aquifers) and offshore ecosystems. The review does not consider direct impacts on man or other land animals from elevated atmospheric CO2 levels. Improvements in our understanding of the potential impacts have come directly from CO2 storage research but have also benefitted from studies of ocean acidification and other impacts on aquifers and onshore near surface ecosystems. Research has included observations at natural CO2 sites, laboratory and field experiments and modelling. Studies to date suggest that the impacts from many lower level fault- or well-related leakage scenarios are likely to be limited spatially and temporarily and recovery may be rapid. The effects are often ameliorated by mixing and dispersion of the leakage and by buffering and other reactions; potentially harmful elements have rarely breached drinking water guidelines. Larger releases, with potentially higher impact, would be possible from open wells or major pipeline leaks but these are of lower probability and should be easier and quicker to detect and remediate.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Subjects:	Biology Chemistry Earth Sciences Ecology and Environment Marine Sciences Oceanography Planning Policies
Divisions:	Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Marine Ecology and Biodiversity
Depositing User:	Dr Ana Queiros
Date made live:	20 Aug 2015 09:37
Last Modified:	25 Apr 2020 09:56
URI:	https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/6498

Actions (login required)

View Item