Benjamin Möller

Most studies on Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) consider either olivine-rich ultramafic lithologies (i.e. peridotite) or basalt as the silicate feedstock material. Due to its wider availability and lower concentrations of potentially toxic nickel and chromium, basalt has been favored in many recent works. While basalt is the most abundant volcanic rock on the planet, it is only one of many rock types potentially suited for ERW. Based on a review of literature data combined with new chemical and mineralogical analyses of different igneous rocks from Central and Eastern Europe, we propose that a wider range of sources should be considered. Targeted exploration of ERW feedstocks based on petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical criteria will be required to efficiently and effectively scale ERW. The suitability of these feedstock sources will need to be assessed in the context of local climate, soil, land use, infrastructure, and regulatory environment.