4D time-lapse micro-CT study on enhanced weathering of olivine using synchrotron radiation

Olivine dissolution has drawn significant attention, especially for enhanced silicate weathering to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. However, several questions persist on olivine interaction with seawater, such as the effects of composition and secondary minerals on dissolution also impurities or inclusions which could affect marine biota. To address these critical issues, we propose an in-situ experiment to study olivine dissolution in seawater. We hypothesize that olivine dissolution also forms fractures which increase surface area. Yet, due to inadequate spatial resolution of laboratory XCT, identifying the fracture and essential dissolution features within these fractures was challenging. Thus, an advanced and precise approach is necessary to investigate the dissolution dynamics. This investigation at ESRF aims to determine dissolution rate and fracture propagation which offers crucial input to accurately simulate olivine dissolution and assessing potential risks to marine biota.