Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a solid metal carbonate hydrate by contacting carbon dioxide, water and a metal carbonate to form an aqueous mixture, and applying a vacuum to the aqueous mixture thereby precipitating a metal carbonate hydrate. The invention also relates to solid metal carbonate hydrates obtainable by the aforementioned method. Metal carbonate hydrates are able to increase the alkalinity of aqueous solutions. Accordingly, uses of solid metal carbonate hydrates to increase the alkalinity of a body of water are also included in the invention, as are methods to increase the alkalinity of at least part of a body of water.

Abstract: A plurality of carbonation plots are positioned in communication with atmospheric carbon dioxide to facilitate sequestration thereof via ambient weathering. The carbonation plots include a composition rich in metal oxides, which are positioned within the environment, such as on non-arable land, and exposed to the environment to react with carbon dioxide in the air and form metal carbonates. After about one year of exposure, the composition is recollected and calcined to produce a carbon dioxide stream and replenish the metal oxides, which can be redistributed in the carbonation plots to sequester additional carbon dioxide. The systems and methods of the present disclosure enable capture and redistribution of carbon dioxide for industrial-scale uses for very abundant quarry minerals and enable large-scale low-cost carbon capture projects for municipalities or corporations.