The mapping and quantification of CO2 leakage and its potential impact on groundwater quality

Abstract

The present study relates to CO2 leakage from the deep subsurface towards the atmosphere. Work involved writing a computer code to study the impact of different sampling strategies and densities on the capability of a gas flux survey to find and quantify the leakage of CO2, with simulations being performed using both synthetic and real data. In addition, the potential impact of a CO2 leak on drinking water quality was studied by measuring groundwater chemistry along a transect through a major natural CO2 leakage area. The research detailed here relates to both natural leaking systems as well as to man-made systems where leakage may hypothetically occur (such as carbon capture and storage, CCS, projects).