In the quest to enhance carbon capture and storage (CCS) and CO2 mineralization monitoring, a recent study published in the journal “Energy Nexus” (formerly known as “Energy Reports”) has shed light on the behavior of artificial tracers in ultramafic rocks. The research, led by Hammad Tariq Janjuhah from Carbon Management Services in Oman, explores the solubility, stability, and reactivity of two common tracers—fluorescein (FL) and Na-Naphthenate-Methylene Blue (Na-Napth-MB)—in various water types and serpentinized peridotite rock.
Tracers are invaluable tools in hydrogeology, helping to identify groundwater flow pathways and quantify mixing and reaction processes. However, their behavior can vary significantly depending on the environment. Janjuhah’s study reveals that fluorescein’s adsorption decreases with higher concentrations, while Na-Napth-MB shows substantial adsorption even at high dosages. Moreover, the research challenges the assumption that tracers remain non-reactive with other rock types, demonstrating that ultramafic rocks like serpentinized peridotite can significantly adsorb these tracers.
“Our findings indicate that the adsorption potential in situ could be up to ten times higher than what we observed in the lab,” Janjuhah explains. This revelation underscores the need for careful selection of tracers, their concentrations, and effective monitoring in subsurface applications like CCS.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As CCS technologies become increasingly vital for mitigating climate change, accurate monitoring is paramount. The study suggests that alternative conservative tracers, such as noble gases, perfluorocarbons, or nanoparticles, might be more suitable for CCS projects involving ultramafic rocks.
Janjuhah’s research not only improves our understanding of tracer behavior but also paves the way for more reliable and efficient monitoring techniques. As the energy sector continues to innovate, these insights will be crucial for long-term tracking of CO2 and mineralization, ensuring the success of CCS initiatives.
In an era where precision and reliability are key, this study offers a significant step forward, shaping the future of CCS and mineralization monitoring. As Janjuhah puts it, “The outcomes are important to improve the tracer-based monitoring techniques for ultramafic rocks to accomplish long-term tracking of CO2 and mineralization.”