Strategy of environmental assessment for CO2 ocean sequestration

CO₂ ocean sequestration research should focus on determining effectiveness as well as environmental consequences. To investigate the validity of CO₂ ocean sequestration, it is important that dissolution and dispersion behaviors of sequestrated CO₂ into the ocean are understood. In addition, ocean environmental impact including marine ecosystem should be predicted. Sequestration research requires development of new cost-effective observation technique to monitor dilution and diffusion of sequestrated CO₂. In order to assess the environmental impact of the CO₂ ocean sequestration by seagoing observation, several technologies (in-situ pH/pCO₂ sensor, tracking neutral buoy system, towing multi-layer monitoring system, automatic elevator) were developed and the performance of these technologies were confirmed by the sea trials.