Carbon loss from rivers following terrestrial enhanced rock weathering

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is emerging as a promising Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) strategy, offering a path to lower atmospheric CO₂ concentrations while providing benefits such as soil pH improvement and nutrient release. However, the impacts of ERW on river carbonate chemistry and the potential loss of initially captured CO₂ during river transport to the coastal ocean remain poorly understood. This limitation challenges ERW’s viability as a carbon mitigation strategy. This study seeks to address this gap through an integrated approach using machine learning and numerical modeling, specifically focusing on North American river systems. Central to our methodology is the development of a dynamic river network model designed to simulate changes in river chemistry and carbon degassing following ERW. Our findings reveal relatively low carbon loss across most river segments within a two-year timeframe, but also highlight significant seasonal and spatial variations, informing a strategic framework for improving ERW implementation.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Shuang Zhang, Texas A&M University (shuang-zhang@tamu.edu)

Authors:

Christopher Reinhard, Georgia Institute of Technology  (chris.reinhard@eas.gatech.edu)

Shaoda Liu, Beijing Normal University  (liushaoda@bnu.edu.cn)

Yoshiki Kanzaki, Georgia Institute of Technology  (ykanzaki3@gatech.edu)

Noah Planavsky, Yale University  (noah.planavsky@yale.edu)