Geochemical simulation of Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) in Darjeeling tea plantation soils using PHREEQC reactive transport modeling. This study quantifies carbon removal potential while demonstrating agricultural co-benefits through soil pH buffering and nutrient release.
- pH Improvement: +3.73 units (4.8 → 8.53) over 365 days
- Carbon Sequestration: Linear alkalinity increase with exponential HCO₃⁻ formation
- Nutrient Release: 133% Mg²⁺ increase, stable Ca²⁺ supply
- Dual Benefits: Climate action + agricultural soil enhancement
- PHREEQC 3.8.6+ - Download from USGS
- Python 3.7+ with pandas, matplotlib, numpy
- wateq4f.dat database (included with PHREEQC installation)
- Kinetic modeling: Temperature and pH-dependent mineral dissolution rates
- Multi-mineral system: Anorthite, Diopside, Olivine weathering kinetics
- Real conditions: Darjeeling climate (18°C) and acidic soil chemistry (pH 4.8)
- Advanced rate laws: Arrhenius temperature dependence and pH effects
- Professional visualization: Python-based data analysis and plotting
- Initial conditions: Acidic tea plantation soil (pH 4.8, low nutrients)
- Final conditions: Alkaline soil (pH 8.53, enhanced nutrients)
- Mechanism: Basalt weathering consumes H⁺ and releases Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺
- Process: Atmospheric CO₂ → dissolved bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻)
- Storage timeframe: >10,000 years in stable carbonate minerals
- Verification: Progressive alkalinity increase over 365-day simulation
- Nutrient enhancement: Essential Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ for plant growth
- pH buffering: Optimal conditions for nutrient availability
- Soil health: Transformation from acidic, leached soil to fertile growing medium
- Carbon removal verification: MRV protocols for climate tech companies
- Agricultural assessment: Soil improvement quantification for farming applications
- Climate tech optimization: Basalt application rate determination
- Enhanced rock weathering research: Academic and commercial feasibility studies
- PHREEQC 3.8.6 - Industry-standard geochemical modeling software
- Python - Data analysis, visualization, and scientific computing
- wateq4f.dat - Comprehensive thermodynamic database for aqueous systems
- Matplotlib/Pandas - Professional scientific plotting and data manipulation
- Kinetic rate constants: Literature-based values for basalt mineral dissolution
- Temperature effects: Arrhenius kinetics calibrated for 18°C Darjeeling conditions
- pH dependencies: Validated against experimental weathering studies
- Mass balance: Conservative element tracking ensures model accuracy
This project demonstrates:
- Advanced geochemical modeling skills using industry-standard software
- Climate tech applications of Enhanced Rock Weathering technology
- Data science capabilities in environmental modeling and analysis
- Professional presentation of scientific results for technical audiences
If you use this model or approach in your research, please cite:
Contributions welcome! Please feel free to:
- Report issues or bugs
- Suggest improvements to the model
- Add additional analysis features
- Enhance documentation
This project is open source and available under the MIT License.
Developed for Enhanced Rock Weathering research, carbon removal verification, and climate tech applications.
Contact: sutradharmanadip01@gmail.com| Research Focus: Geochemical Modeling & Climate Solutions