First Ocean CO2 Removal Trial with Olivine Sand Shows No Harm to Marine Life

A pioneering pilot project in New York state has demonstrated that adding crushed olivine sand to the ocean to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide did not cause significant harm to marine ecosystems during its first year. The trial, conducted by US start-up Vesta along a beach in Southampton, Long Island, involved depositing 650 tonnes of olivine alongside regular sand for shore protection. Researchers monitored sediment and marine life up to 160 meters offshore, comparing areas treated with olivine against control sites. Results indicated that while the fringed blood worm population declined slightly, overall species diversity and abundance recovered within two months. Crucially, levels of potentially toxic heavy metals like nickel and chromium in marine organisms remained low, suggesting rapid dilution in the dynamic ocean environment. Although some changes in species composition occurred, these were attributed to general beach nourishment practices rather than the olivine itself. Experts caution that further trials are necessary to fully understand long-term biological responses and potential impacts, such as calcium carbonate precipitation. However, the study provides critical real-world evidence supporting the potential safety of this carbon removal technique, which aims to enhance the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2 by converting it into stable bicarbonate.