Solving the mystery of natural carbon mineralisation in Australian lakes

Some lakes, such as the Coorong lakes in South Australia, naturally sequester carbon dioxide (CO2) in
magnesium carbonate minerals. These minerals, which form in association with microorganisms in lake
water, represent the safest possible long-term traps for CO2 pollution. This project will determine the
essential geochemical constraints on formation of magnesium carbonate minerals in the Coorong lakes,
which are unique natural laboratories for studying CO2 sequestration. By delivering fundamental
understanding of how microbial populations alter water chemistry for carbonate production, this project will
inform design of efficient and sustainable technologies for CO2 sequestration that emulate natural processes
in lakes.