This research aim is to investigate whether olivine can be effectively implemented and within environmental safety boundaries in the Knowledge Mile Park, a project in commission of the Municipality of Amsterdam, to sequester atmospheric CO2 in three scenarios i.e. tree sand, green rooftop substrate and footpath substrate. With the Olivine Weathering and CO2 Sequestration model and PNEC-pro V6, the dissolution and CO2 sequestration rate of olivine were examined and the released nickel concentration with the effects on various plant and aquatic species was analysed. Green rooftop substrate was identified as the most effective possible scenario in terms of the magnitude of CO2 binding in 40 years that can be implemented in the Knowledge Mile Park remaining within the safety boundaries of environmental and ecotoxicological effects. To deepen the knowledge on olivine applications, further research should incorporate practical experimental work based on the modelled input of this report.
CO2 sequestration by olivine for three different applications in Knowledge Mile Park, Amsterdam
A comparative study on the effectiveness and environmental impact of olivine implementation
The concentration of atmospheric CO2 is still increasing according to numerous projections of future greenhouse gas emissions. Nations must make every effort to achieve the target of keeping the global average temperature to below 2 ̊C above pre-industrial levels, agreed on in the Paris Agreement. A relatively new and promising geoengineering approach to possibly combat this worldwide problem is the use of olivine ((Mg,Fe)2SiO4). During the weathering process of olivine, carbon dioxide (CO2) is extracted from the atmosphere and converted to insoluble carbonate minerals, consequently reducing the atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Image credits
Icon image: Wikimedia Commons - Olivine