In-Situ Alkalinity Efflux Monitoring: A Novel Sensor for ERW Applications

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) has emerged as a scalable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy, but its widespread adoption is limited by the lack of cost-effective and accurate Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) methods. To address this challenge, we have developed a novel in-situ alkalinity-efflux sensor capable of real-time monitoring of carbon removal in ERW fields. The proprietary sensor measures alkalinity efflux directly and continuously in soil leachates, transmitting high-resolution data via IoT integration.

 

Ongoing pilot deployments of these sensors are generating unprecedented alkalinity efflux data, providing a new level of temporal resolution for ERW monitoring. Initial findings offer unique insights into the dynamics of alkalinity efflux following mineral application, the effects of precipitation events, and spatial heterogeneity of alkalinity efflux. These data represent a critical advancement in understanding ERW processes, and key analyses will be presented at the conference.

 

This sensor-based MRV solution significantly reduces measurement costs and improves scalability while enabling precise optimization of ERW project designs and robust assessments of CDR potential. By addressing key barriers to ERW adoption, our work positions sensor-based monitoring as a transformative enabler for carbon credit markets and broader climate solutions, advancing the global carbon removal portfolio.