Sains Malaysiana 54(1)(2025): 21-31

http://doi.org/10.17576/jsm-2025-5401-03

 

The Potential of CO₂ Sequestration from Basaltic Rock in Peninsular Malaysia

(Potensi Penyerapan CO₂ daripada Batuan Basaltik di Semenanjung Malaysia)

 

AHMAD FAUZAN YUSOFF, HIJAZ KAMAL HASNAN*, MUHAMMAD HATTA ROSELEE, KHAIRUL AZLAN MUSTAPHA & AZMAN ABDUL GHANI

 

Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Universiti of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

Received: 18 April 2024/Accepted: 7 November 2024

 

Abstract

Basaltic rock is a efficient for long-term solution in carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration because of its ability to chemically bind CO₂ in stable and form a solid mineral, which minimizes the risk of leakage and for permanent storage. This study investigates the mineralogy and geochemistry of Segamat and Kuantan basalts in Peninsular Malaysia to evaluate their suitability for mineral carbonation. Petrographic and mineralogical analyses indicate basalt contains silicate minerals, which are plagioclase (50-60)%, pyroxene (20-30)% and olivine (10-20)% that are highly conducive to CO₂ mineral carbonation. Calcite, magnesite, and siderite are expected to form carbonate minerals through chemical reactions. FESEM analysis shows that basaltic rocks have microcracks and micropores, which are tiny spaces within the rock. These structures provide pathways and space for CO₂ to flow and react with the rock, making it easier for the gas to be stored as solid carbonates. This porosity enhances CO₂ absorption and mineralization, improving the efficiency of carbon sequestration. The strategic location of Kuantan near seawater sources offers unlimited access during CO₂ injection activities. Both regions exhibit metaluminous properties that are compatible with a diverse range of mineral carbonation techniques. The Segamat and Kuantan basalts are ideal for CO₂ mineral carbonation due to their reactive silicate minerals, potential for carbonate formation (calcite, magnesite, siderite), and favorable microcrack structures. Their metaluminous, silica-undersaturated composition and Kuantan’s proximity to water sources enhance their potential for effective CO₂ storage and mineralization.

 

Keywords: Carbon dioxide sequestration; Kuantan basalt; mineral carbonation; Segamat basalt

 

Abstrak

Batuan basal adalah berkesan untuk jangka panjang bagi pengasingan karbon dioksida (CO₂) kerana kemampuannya untuk menggabungkan CO₂ secara kimia dalam bentuk mineral pepejal yang stabil, yang meminimumkan risiko kebocoran dan memastikan penyimpanan yang kekal. Penyelidikan ini merangkumi aspek mineralogi dan geokimia basal dari Segamat dan Kuantan di Semenanjung Malaysia untuk menilai kesesuaian terhadap karbonasi mineral. Analisis petrografi dan mineralogi menunjukkan bahawa basal mengandungi mineral silikat, iaitu plagioklas (50-60)%, piroksen (20-30)% dan olivin (10-20)% yang sangat sesuai untuk karbonasi mineral CO₂. Kalsit, magnesit dan siderit dijangka terbentuk melalui reaksi kimia. Analisis FESEM menunjukkan bahawa batuan basal mempunyai mikro-retakan dan mikro-pori, yang merupakan ruang kecil dalam batu. Struktur ini menyediakan laluan dan ruang untuk CO₂ mengalir dan bertindak balas dengan batu, memudahkan gas disimpan sebagai karbonat pepejal. Kekosongan ini meningkatkan penyerapan CO₂ dan mineralisasi serta memperbaiki kecekapan pengasingan karbon. Lokasi strategik Kuantan yang dekat dengan sumber air laut menawarkan akses tanpa had semasa aktiviti suntikan CO₂. Kedua-dua kawasan menunjukkan sifat metaluminous yang serasi dengan pelbagai teknik karbonasi mineral. Basal Segamat dan Kuantan adalah sesuai untuk karbonasi mineral CO₂ kerana mineral silikat reaktif yang ada berpotensi untuk pembentukan karbonat (kalsit, magnesit, siderit) serta struktur mikro-retakan yang secara semula jadi ada. Komposisi metaluminous dan kekurangan silika serta jarak Kuantan dengan sumber air meningkatkan potensi mereka untuk penyimpanan dan mineralisasi CO₂ yang berkesan.

 

Kata kunci: Karbonasi mineral; Kuantan basal; penjerapan karbon dioksida; Segamat basal

 

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*Corresponding author; email: hijazzains@um.edu.my