Carbon dioxide removal with biochar fortified by accelerated weathering of basalt (ABFB)

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a composition that includes at least one basalt and at least one biochar. The biochai- may include nutrient fortified biochar, where the nutrients are derived from the basalt. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of capturing CO2 from an environment by exposing the environment to a composition of the present disclosure. The compositions of the present disclosure may also enhance the nutrient content of the environment. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of enhancing soil fertility by applying a composition of the present disclosure to the soil. Additional embodiments pertain to methods of making a composition by altering at least one basalt and mixing the altered basalt with at least one biochar.

Description

PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-03 TITLE CARBON DIOXIDE REMOVAL WITH BIOCHAR FORTIFIED BY ACCELERATED WEATHERING OF BASALT (ABFB) CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 460,553, filed on April 19, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 599,946, filed on November 16, 2023; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 557,387, filed on February 23, 2024. The entirety of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Current methods and compositions for capturing carbon dioxide from environments have numerous limitations. Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned limitations. SUMMARY

[0003] In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a composition that includes at least one basalt and at least one biochar. In some embodiments, the biochar includes nutrient fortified biochar. In some embodiments, the nutrients are derived from the basalt. In some embodiments, the nutrients include, without limitation, Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0004] In some embodiments, the basalt in the compositions of the present disclosure include altered basalt. In some embodiments, the altered basalt includes powdered basalt, heated basalt, or combinations thereof.

[0005] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from an environment by exposing the environment to a composition of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure also enhance the nutrient content of the environment. For instance, in some embodiments where the environment includes soil, the compositions of the present disclosure also enhance the fertility of the soil. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of enhancing soil fertility by applying a composition of the present disclosure to the soil.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0006] Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making a composition by altering at least one basalt and mixing the altered basalt with at least one biochar. In some embodiments, the altering occurs by heating the basalt under acidic conditions. In some embodiments, the altering includes grinding the basalt to form a powder.

[0007] In some embodiments, the mixing of altered basalt with biochar results in nutrient fortification of the biochar by the nutrients derived from the altered basalt. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of forming the biochar. In some embodiments, biochar formation occurs by heating a biomass, such as through pyrolysis. In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may also be utilized to prevent the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the biomass during biochar production.

[0008] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure occur through the following steps: (1) forming the biochar, where the forming includes placing a biomass in a gasifier associated with an engine operable to generate electricity and / or steam, where the gasifier produces biochar and syngas, and where the engine generates electricity and / or steam from the syngas; (2) altering the basalt by utilizing the electricity and / or steam generated from the engine; and (3) mixing the altered basalt with the produced biochar to form the composition. In some embodiments, the engines of the present disclosure may generate steam (e.g., hot water). In some embodiments, the steam (e.g., hot water) generated from an engine may be utilized to alter the basalt. In some embodiments, the engines of the present disclosure may generate electricity. In some embodiments, the electricity generated from the engine may be utilized to alter the basalt. DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1A illustrates a method capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from an environment in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG.1B illustrates a method of enhancing soil fertility in a subject in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1C illustrates a method of making a basalt-biochar composition in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0012] FIG. 1D provides a diagram of a system for making a basalt-biochar composition in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1E illustrates an alternative method of making a basalt-biochar composition in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS.2A-2B provide experimental results demonstrating that the basalt-biochar compositions of the present disclosure enhance soil fertility.

[0015] FIGS.3-4 illustrate schemes for the production of altered basalt with fortified biochar (ABFB) using electricity generated from syngas, where the syngas is produced by a biochar producing gasifier.

[0016] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate additional processes of forming ABFB in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 shows an image of an ABFB formed in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory, and are not restrictive of the subject matter, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word “a” or “an” means “at least one”, and the use of “or” means “and / or”, unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including”, as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included”, is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements or components comprising one unit and elements or components that include more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0019] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application, including, but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises, are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any purpose. In the event that one or more of the incorporated literature and similar materials defines a term in a manner that contradicts the definition of that term in this application, this application controls.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0020] Carbon dioxide (CO2) removal (CDR) is a key process for addressing climate change. There are two prominent CDR strategies for addressing climate change: enhanced silicate rock weathering (EW) (Beerling et al., 2024, Beerling et al., 2020, Beerling et al., 2018, Taylor et al., 2016, Lewis et al., 2021, Schuiling and Krijgsman, 2006) and application of biochar (Kambo and Dutta, 2015, Lehmann et al., 2015, Lehmann et al., 2021, Rodriguez Franco et al., 2024, Woolf et al., 2010, Xia et al., 2023, Xiao et al., 2018, Amonette et al., 2021, Lehmann, 2007, Schmidt et al., 2011). However, both strategies have significant drawbacks.

[0021] In particular, the EW strategy involves crushing basalt to a fine powder to speed-up weathering reactions. This strategy, however, still suffers from slow reaction kinetics (Strefler et al., 2018). For instance, to remove 1 Pg C per year would require about 21 Pg of basalt to be mined, ground to 20 μm, and spread on croplands every year.

[0022] Use of biochar is yet another strategy for CDR (Lehmann et al., 2021, Shrestha et al., 2023). Preparation of biochar involves heating biomass (e.g., wood and / or crop residues) in an airless oven at temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 800 °C. Biochar carbon should be stable in soil for over centuries to be of value for long-term CDR (Lehmann et al., 2015). In fact, it has been shown that biochar prepared at 600 °C or higher is especially recalcitrant (Lehmann et al., 2021). Oxidative resistance and occlusion by clay minerals may combine to make biochar (Mašek et al., 2019, Rawal et al., 2016, Yang et al., 2018) persist in soil for hundreds of years.

[0023] Adapting biochar globally as a soil amendment can affect both CDR and greenhouse gas emissions (Lehmann et al., 2021). However, several studies have shown that organic pollutants (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) are synthesized during biochar preparation (Godlewska et al., 2021, Hale et al., 2012, Kołtowski and Oleszczuk, 2015, Odinga et al., 2021). These pollutants can remain in the soil, making its application to croplands questionable (Rombolà et al., 2019, Shepherd et al., 2017a).

[0024] Furthermore, preparation of biochar also releases roughly similar amounts of liquid and gaseous CO2(CO2e) thereby reducing CDR efficiency by a factor of about 1.9. In particular, for every ton of biochar produced, about 0.74 ton of CO2e (gases and liquids) is released (Crombie and Mašek, 2015).PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0025] As such, a need exists for more effective and less hazardous materials for CDR. A need also exists for safer and more effective methods of mass producing such materials. Numerous embodiments of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned needs.

[0026] Compositions

[0027] In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to a composition. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one biochar and at least one basalt. In some embodiments, the biochar and basalt are associated with one another. As set forth in more detail herein, the compositions of the present disclosure can include various basalts and biochars in various arrangements.

[0028] Biochar

[0029] Biochar generally refers to a condensed aromatic carbon rich substance that forms when biomass (e.g., wood and / or crop residues) is heated in a container at a high temperature (e.g., temperatures ranging from 300 °C to 800 °C with little or no available oxygen (i.e., pyrolysis)). The compositions of the present disclosure can include various types of biochar. For instance, in some embodiments, the biochar includes alkaline biochar. In some embodiments, the biochar includes corn husk biochar. In some embodiments, the biochar includes nutrient fortified biochar. In some embodiments, the nutrients are derived from the basalt. In some embodiments, the nutrients include, without limitation, Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.

[0030] Basalts

[0031] Basalt generally refers to a mafic aphanitic volcanic rock that includes, without limitation, tholeiites (Best, 2013, Cox et al., 1979, Hughes, 2013, Wilson, 1989, Winter, 2014, Carmichael et al., 1974). Basalt is exposed around the world on the continents and at the ocean floor.

[0032] The composition of the present disclosure can also include various types of basalts. For instance, in some embodiments, the basalts include, without limitation, plagioclase feldspars- containing basalts, pyroxenes-containing basalts, tholeiites, Holyoke Basalts, Blue Ridge Basalts, Butner Basalts, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the basalts contain, without limitation, plagioclase feldspars-pyroxenes, with or without any olivine.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0033] In some embodiments, basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include plagioclase feldspars-containing basalts and pyroxenes-containing basalts. In some embodiments, basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include microscopic or visible plagioclase feldspars-containing basalts and pyroxenes-containing basalts, with little or no olivines, and with minor iron spinel and phosphate.

[0034] The basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure could be from several basalt regions around the world and / or from various localities. For instance, in some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure may include Holyoke Basalt (MA) and Butner Basalt (NC), which belong to Central Atlantic Magmatic Province that is exposed along the US Eastern Seaboard, Columbia River Flood Basalt, Deccan Traps, Karoo Basalts, Parana Basalts, Siberian Traps, Hawaiian Basalts, Icelandic Basalts, or other regions.

[0035] In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include tholeiites. In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include tholeiites with low heavy metal concentrations.

[0036] In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include Holyoke Basalt. In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include Deccan Basalt.

[0037] In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure have been naturally altered. In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure are in isolated form (i.e., basalt isolated from its native environment, such as through mining). In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include mined basalt. In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include basalt that have been crushed and ground to a range of grain-sizes. In some embodiments, the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include basalt that have been partially altered to clay minerals.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0038] In some embodiments, the basalts in the basalts in the compositions of the present disclosure include altered basalt. In some embodiments, the altered basalt is in powdered form. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt has diameters ranging from about 10 µm to about 1 mm. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt has diameters ranging from about 10 µm to about 800 µm. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt has diameters ranging from about 10 µm to about 500 µm. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt has diameters ranging from about 10 µm to about 100 µm. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt has diameters ranging from about 10 µm to about 50 µm. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt has diameters ranging from about 10 µm to about 20 µm.

[0039] In some embodiments, the powdered basalt may be in the form of particles. In some embodiments, the powdered basalt particles may be in the form of coarse particles, medium particles, coarse-grained particles, fine-grained particles, ultra-fine particles, nanoparticles, microparticles, or combinations thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, the altered basalt includes heated basalt. In some embodiments, the heated basalt is heated at a temperature of at least 100 °C. In some embodiments, the heated basalt is heated at a temperature of at least 150 °C. In some embodiments, the heated basalt is heated at a temperature of at least 200 °C. In some embodiments, the heated basalt is heated under acidic conditions.

[0041] Composition forms

[0042] The compositions of the present disclosure may be in various forms. For instance, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure include altered basalt. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure include biochar that has been fortified with nutrients from altered basalt (ABFB). In some embodiments, the nutrients are derived from altered basalt. In some embodiments, the nutrients are derived from altered basalt and from biochar. In some embodiments, the nutrients include, without limitation, Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, N, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0043] The ABFBs of the present disclosure can include various ratios of biochar and altered basalt. For instance, in some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio could vary from 0 to 0.25. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio could vary from 0 to 0.5. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio could vary from 0 to 0.75. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio could vary from 0 to 1.0. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio is about 0.25. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio is about 0.5. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio is about 0.75. In some embodiments, the biochar: altered basalt ratio is about 1.

[0044] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure are in the form of a slurry. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure are in homogenized form. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure include organo-clay complexes, organo-Fe- oxyhydroxide complexes, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Methods of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from an environment

[0046] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a method of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from an environment. In some embodiments illustrated in FIG.1A, the methods of the present disclosure include exposing the environment to a composition of the present disclosure (step 10) to result in the capture of the CO2 form the environment (step 12). In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure also enhance the nutrient content of the environment (step 14). As set forth in more detail herein, the methods of the present disclosure can be utilized to capture various types of CO2 from various environments.

[0047] Carbon dioxide (CO2)

[0048] The method of the present disclosure may be utilized to capture various types of CO2. For instance, in some embodiments, the CO2 to be captured include, without limitation, carbon dioxide CO2 from air, soil and / or water.

[0049] Without being bound by theory, the capture of CO2by the compositions of the present disclosure can occur through various mechanisms. For instance, in some embodiments, the capturing of the CO2 occurs by a method that includes, without limitation, dissolution, pyrolysis, adhesion, binding, adsorption, electrostatic interaction, or combinations thereof.

[0050] Exposure of environment to a compositionPCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0051] The methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to capture CO2 from various environments. For instance, in some embodiments, the environment includes, without limitation, an airstream, a gas stream, an industrial plant, an atmosphere, ambient air, a water source, soil, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the environment includes ambient air. In some embodiments, the environment includes an atmosphere.

[0052] In some embodiments, the environment includes a water source. In some embodiments, the water source includes, without limitation, a body of water, an ocean, a sea, a lake, a pond, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the water source includes a sea. In some embodiments, the water source includes an ocean.

[0053] In some embodiments, the environment includes soil. In some embodiments, the soil is part of a field. In some embodiments, the field includes, without limitation, an agricultural field, a residential field, a cropland, a park, a subdivision, a yard, a highway, a sports facility, a golf course, or combinations thereof.

[0054] The compositions of the present disclosure may be exposed to an environment in various manners. For instance, in some embodiments, the exposing occurs by flowing the environment through the composition. In some embodiments, the exposing occurs by placing the composition at or near the environment.

[0055] In some embodiments, the exposing of an environment to a composition of the present disclosure occurs by a method that includes, without limitation, incubating, spreading, pouring, sprinkling, spraying, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments where the environment includes soil, the compositions of the present disclosure may be exposed to the soil by sprinkling the composition onto the soil.

[0056] Desirable levels of soil organic carbon below which crop yield declines may be ~2% in soils of the temperate zone and ~1% for those of the tropics (Lal, 2020). Soils with organic carbon contents exceeding 5% are highly fertile (Lal, 2020). In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure (e.g., ABFBs) can be used to boost soil organic carbon content. Depending on their compositions, the compositions of the present disclosure (e.g., ABFBs) can be deployed on cropland and degraded soils such that they reach or exceed a desirable level in a single application of ABFB.

[0057] Enhancement of nutrient content of environmentPCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0058] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure also enhance the nutrient content of the environment. For instance, in some embodiments, exposure of the compositions of the present disclosure to an environment result in the enhancement of Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and / or N in the environment.

[0059] The enhancement of the nutrient content of environments can have various advantageous effects. For instance, in some embodiments where the environment includes soil, the compositions of the present disclosure may enhance soil fertility.

[0060] Methods of enhancing soil fertility

[0061] Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a method of enhancing soil fertility. In some embodiments illustrated in FIG.1B, the methods of the present disclosure include exposing the soil to a composition of the present disclosure (step 16) to result in the enhancement of the soil’s fertility (step 18).

[0062] Exposure of soil to a composition

[0063] The compositions of the present disclosure may be exposed to soil in various manners. For instance, in some embodiments, the exposing of a soil to a composition of the present disclosure occurs by a method that includes, without limitation, incubating, spreading, pouring, sprinkling, spraying, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, exposing of a soil to a composition of the present disclosure occurs by sprinkling the composition onto the soil. In some embodiments, exposing of a soil to a composition of the present disclosure occurs by spraying the composition onto the soil.

[0064] Soils

[0065] The compositions of the present disclosure may be applied to various types of soils. For instance, in some embodiments, the soil is part of a field. In some embodiments, the field includes, without limitation, an agricultural field, a residential field, a cropland, a park, a subdivision, a yard, a highway, a sports facility, a golf course, or combinations thereof.

[0066] Enhancement of soil fertilityPCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0067] Without being bound by theory, the compositions of the present disclosure may enhance a soil’s fertility in various manners. For instance, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure enhance soil fertility by at least providing nutrients to the soil, decreasing soil acidity, increasing soil carbon content, increasing soil water content, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure enhance soil fertility by at least providing nutrients to the soil. In some embodiments, the nutrients include, without limitation, Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and / or N.

[0068] The methods of the present disclosure may have various advantages. For instance, in some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to enhance food security, reduce energy poverty, and address climate change.

[0069] Methods of making compositions

[0070] Additional embodiments pertain to a method of making the compositions of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method includes mixing at least one biochar with at least one basalt to form the compositions of the present disclosure.

[0071] The methods of the present disclosure may be utilized to mix various types of basalts and biochars. Suitable basalts and biochars were described supra and are incorporated herein by reference. As set forth in more detail, the methods of the present disclosure can occur through various processes.

[0072] Altering basalts

[0073] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of altering a basalt. In some embodiments, the altering occurs prior to mixing the basalt with the biochar.

[0074] Basalts may be altered through various processes. For instance, in some embodiments, altering includes grinding the basalt. In some embodiments, the altering results in the formation of a basalt powder.

[0075] In some embodiments, the altering includes heating the basalt. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 100 °C. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 150 °C. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 200 °C.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0076] In some embodiments, basalts are heated under acidic conditions. For instance, in some embodiments, basalt may be heated in an acidic solution. In some embodiments, the acidic solution includes, without limitation, an acetic acid solution, a carbonic acid solution, a vinegar solution, a wood vinegar solution, a citric acid solution, an oxalic acid solution, a pyroligneous acid solution, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the heating occurs in an acidic solution at a temperature of at least 100 °C and a pH of less than 7.

[0077] Forming biochar

[0078] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of forming the biochar. Various methods may be utilized to form biochar. For instance, in some embodiments, biochar is formed by heating biomass. In some embodiments, the heating includes pyrolysis of the biomass. In some embodiments, heating occurs at a temperature of at least 300 °C. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 400 °C. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 500 °C. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature ranging from about 300 °C to about 800 °C.

[0079] Biochars may be formed from various biomasses. For instance, in some embodiments, the biomass includes, without limitation, walnut shells, wood residues, hardwood chips, softwood chips, wood shavings, crop residues, or combinations thereof.

[0080] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also involve preventing the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) from biomass. It is widely understood that plants absorb CO2during photosynthesis, transforming it into various organic compounds such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and / or lignin. Upon the plant's demise, this biomass undergoes remineralization, releasing CO2back into the atmosphere. The creation of biochar from biomass has the potential to impede the process of remineralization, thereby preventing the conversion of carbon fixed during photosynthesis into CO2.

[0081] Mixing of basalt and biocharPCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0082] The methods of the present disclosure can utilize various processes to mix basalts and biochars. For instance, in some embodiments, the mixing includes homogenization. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs under alkaline conditions. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs at a pH of at least 7. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs at a pH of at least 7.5.

[0083] In some embodiments, the mixing occurs above room temperature. For instance, in some embodiments, the mixing occurs at a temperature of 100 °C or higher. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs at a temperature of 120 °C or higher. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs at a temperature of 120 °C or higher. In some embodiments, the mixing occurs at a temperature of about 200 °C.

[0084] In some embodiments, basalts may be mixed with biochars after being altered. For instance, in some embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1C, the methods of the present disclosure may include: altering the basalt (step 20) and mixing the altered basalt with biochar (step 22) to form a composition of the present disclosure (step 24). In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of forming biochar (step 21) and then mixing the formed biochar with the altered basalt (step 22).

[0085] Mixing biochars with basalts can have various effects. For instance, in some embodiments, the method results in nutrient fortification of the biochar. In some embodiments, the nutrients are derived from the basalt. In some embodiments, the nutrients include, without limitation, Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the method results in the association of one or more organic materials with the altered basalt.

[0086] The methods of the present disclosure can be utilized to form various types of compositions. Suitable compositions were described supra and are incorporated herein by reference. For instance, in some embodiments, the formed composition has a pH of more than 7. In some embodiments, the alkaline pH provides a negative surface charge, thereby allowing sorption of various materials (e.g., cations and organic moieties) onto the altered basalt and biochar. In some embodiments, the formed composition includes organo-clay complexes, organo-Fe-oxyhydroxide complexes, or combinations thereof.

[0087] Systems for the formation of compositionsPCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0088] The compositions of the present disclosure may be formed through the utilization of various systems. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to such systems for the formation of the compositions of the present disclosure. With reference to system 50 in FIG.1D for illustrative purposes, the systems of the present disclosure may include a gasifier 52 associated with an engine 62 operable to generate electricity and / or steam. Engine 62 may be associated with reactor 64. In some embodiments, gasifier 52 may include container 54 operable for receiving biomass, dryer 56 operable for drying the biomass, pyrolysis chamber 58 operable for pyrolyzing the biomass into biochar, and container 60 operable for receiving the formed biochar.

[0089] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may utilize the systems of the present disclosure to form the compositions of the present disclosure. For instance, with reference to system 50 in FIG.1D and the flow chart outlined in FIG.1E, the methods of the present disclosure include a step of forming biochar by placing biomass in a gasifier 52, where gasifier 52 is associated with an engine 62 operable to generate electricity and / or steam (step 30 in FIG. 1E). In some embodiments, biomass may be placed in gasifier 52 through container 54. Thereafter, gasifier 52 produces biochar and syngas (step 32 in FIG.1E). Next, engine 62 generates electricity and / or steam from the produced syngas (step 34 in FIG.1E). Thereafter, the generated electricity and / or steam is utilized to alter basalt through the electricity and / or steam generated from engine 62 (step 36 in FIG. 1E). Finally, the altered basalt is mixed with the produced biochar (step 38 in FIG.1E) to form the composition of the present disclosure (step 40 in FIG.1E).

[0090] The gasifiers of the present disclosure may produce biochar in various manners. For instance, in some embodiments illustrated in FIG.1D, the gasifier 52 may produce biochar through pyrolysis, such as in pyrolysis chamber 58.

[0091] Electricity and / or steam generated from an engine may be utilized to alter basalts in various manners. For instance, in some embodiments illustrated in FIG. 1D, electricity and / or steam generated from engine 62 may be utilized to grind basalt into a powder form. Thereafter, the ground basalt may be placed in reactor 64 for further alteration.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0092] In some embodiments, the electricity and / or steam generated from engine 62 may be utilized to heat the basalt in reactor 64. In some embodiments, the engines of the present disclosure (e.g., engine 62) may generate steam. In some embodiments, steam generated from an engine may be utilized to alter the basalt. For instance, in some embodiments illustrated in FIG.1D, steam generated from engine 62 may be utilized to heat the basalt in reactor 64 to form altered basalt. In some embodiments, the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 100 °C. In some embodiments, the heating occurs under acidic conditions.

[0093] In some embodiments, the engines of the present disclosure generate electricity. In some embodiments, the generated electricity from the engine powers the altering of the basalt.

[0094] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure may also be utilized to capture CO2 from an environment during the production of the composition. For instance, in some embodiments, basalt alteration releases positively charged ions in solution, thereby making the solution alkaline. The solution then absorb CO2 from air and convert the CO2 to bicarbonate, thereby contributing to CO2 capture.

[0095] Applications and Advantages

[0096] The methods and compositions of the present disclosure can provide numerous advantages. For instance, in some embodiments, the methods of forming the compositions of the present disclosure require the utilization of less starting materials. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may require about 100 times less basalt than that to use in enhanced silicate rock weathering. Moreover, in many preferred embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure do not contain harmful organic pollutants that are present in biochar. Moreover, the compositions of the present disclosure can include numerous nutrients.

[0097] As such, the methods and compositions of the present disclosure can have various applications. For instance, in some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may be deployed on a large scale (e.g., globally) to capture CO2from various environments, such as croplands. Moreover, in some embodiments, the methods and compositions of the present disclosure can be utilized to simultaneously enhance the nutrient content of the environment during the capture of CO2.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0098] In some preferred embodiments, the methods and compositions of the present disclosure can be utilized to simultaneously reduce atmospheric CO2and increase cropland soil fertility by (a) sequestering mineral bound refractory carbon in the soil, and (b) producing soluble bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) that has a mean residence time of 10,000 years in the ocean. In some embodiments, large- scale deployment of the compositions of the present disclosure material on cropland around the globe could result in removing billions of tons of atmospheric CO2 per year while improving soil fertility, decreasing soil acidity, increasing soil carbon, and increasing soil water content.

[0099] Additional embodiments

[0100] Reference will now be made to more specific embodiments of the present disclosure and experimental results that provide support for such embodiments. However, Applicant notes that the disclosure below is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way.

[0101] Example 1. Alteration of basalt

[0102] The kinetics of weathering of basalt is extremely slow (Strefler et al., 2018). For instance, the overall dissolution rate for basalt crushed to 20 µm is ~3 × 10-11mol m2s-1at a pH of 7. The weathering rate increases at low pH and at high temperature. For basalt glass that is hydrothermally altered at 200 ˚C in 100 mM acetic acid (pH = 4.63), the dissolution rate is about ~5 × 10-8mol m2s-1(Peretyazhko et al., 2016) or about 1000-times faster than at room temperature. This example uses crystalline Mt. Holyoke Basalt (diameter = 600-1000 µm; BET surface area = 1.57 m2g-1) to evaluate dissolution rates in terms of release of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ions with de-ionized water, 100 mM acetic acid, 100 mM citric acid, 100 mM pyroligneous acid (wood vinegar, ~50% acetic acid), and 100 mM HNO3 at 200 ˚C (Table 1). This example shows in that comparison to nitric acid, citric acid and especially the acetic is highly effective in partially altering the basalt and releasing alkali and alkaline earths. Table 1. Log of release rates (in mol m2s-1) of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ions from Mt. Holyoke Basalt.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 Ca Ca Mg Mg Na Na K K Expt-1 Expt-2 Expt-1 Expt-2 Expt-1 Expt-2 Expt-1 Expt-2 DI water-10.59 -10.44 -11.21 -11.45 -10.89 -10.21 -11.21 -11.45 acetic -8.87 -8.92 -10.76 -10.85 -9.74 -9.96 -10.76 -10.85 citric-9.06 -9.12 -11.02 -11.01 -9.94 -10.26 -11.02 -11.01 pyroligneous-10.00 -10.06 -10.98 -11.24 -9.86 -10.12 -10.98 -11.24 HNO3-8.83 -8.86 -11.19 -10.91 -9.82 -9.87 -11.19 -10.91

[0103] Example 2. Use of Fortified Biochar to Remove CO2 and Improve Soil Fertility

[0104] This Example seeks to evaluate the potential of a novel nutrient-and carbon- rich soil amendment to sequester atmospheric CO2. In particular, Applicant has synthesized a novel soil amendment that is an organo-mineral composite, constituting biochar that is fortified with altered basalt (ABFB), whose application to soils sequesters atmospheric CO2. Additionally, this amendment is expected to improve soil fertility by providing nutrients to soils, decreasing soil acidity, increasing soil carbon, and increasing soil water content.

[0105] Example 2.1. ABFB synthesis

[0106] Applicant synthesized ABFB by reacting basalt powder with 100 mM acetic acid in an anoxic chamber at 200 °C for 24 h and then by mixing the resulting slurry with biochar prepared by pyrolysis of pine needles at 650 °C. Without being bound by theory, ABFB preparation is based on the following concepts: (a) energy and wood vinegar (~50% acetic acid) generated during pyrolysis of biomass to create biochar can be used to accelerate basalt weathering rate; (b) alteration of basalt with dilute acetic acid produces secondary clay minerals (Fe / Mg smectite) (Peretyazhko et al., 2016) and releases plant nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn); (c) mixing altered basalt with biochar increases pH (~7.5), thereby promoting iron-oxyhydroxides precipitation, allowing sorption of organics on clay minerals; (d) heating of the mixture combined with iron-oxyhydroxides precipitation causes degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) (Jia et al., 2014, Kołtowski and Oleszczuk, 2015), and (e) nutrients released from altered basalt fortify the biochar, which itself is a source of N as well as K and P that also come from basalt alteration. The ABFB is thus a novel soil amendment constituting organo-clay and organo-Fe-oxyhydroxide complexes whose application to soils would engender CO2removal (CDR) and improve productivity.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0107] Example 2.2. Amendment of soil with ABFB

[0108] Without being bound by theory, Applicant envisions that amendment of soil with ABFB can lead to proliferation of bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Warnock et al., 2007) and accumulation of additional carbon in less decomposable fungal biomass. Second, at a slightly alkaline pH, both smectite and biochar will have a negative surface charge, allowing sorption of cations and some organic moieties. Additionally, these systems will be close to the point of zero charge of iron-oxyhydroxides and promote retention of negatively charged organic moieties and nutrients (e.g., phosphate) (Joseph et al., 2018, Shepherd et al., 2017b). Finally, ABFB would also engender CDR directly through highly refractory carbon in biochar and through the formation of bicarbonate ions. Soil amendments with ABFB would thus lead to a multipronged carbon sequestration: (a) in the soil—sequestration of highly aromatic refractory carbon, carbon adsorbed by iron-oxyhydroxides, carbon occluded by clay-minerals; and (b) in groundwater—release as dissolved bicarbonate ion which could eventually be transported to the ocean where its mean residence time is about 10,000 years.

[0109] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, Applicant demonstrated that ABFB enhanced soil fertility for growing moong beans. FIG.2A shows different samples of three weeks old moong beans in amended Windsor Loam soil of the Connecticut River Valley collected from the Dartmouth Organic Farm. The control soil contains 0.9% Carbon and has a pH of 6.07. The soil was air-dried, sieved, and homogenized. Thereafter, the soil was amended with basalt, hydrothermally altered basalt, ABFB, and biochar. It was then packed on Biorad columns as shown.

[0110] The ABFB and biochar amendments increased the carbon content of the soil to 3.62% and 4.93%, respectively. The total mass of soil (plus amendments) in each column was 180 g. Moong beans sprouted in de-ionized water were planted in each of the columns. Precise volumes of de-ionized water were passed through the columns and effluents collected and analyzed for nutrients, major, and trace metals. The plants grew in artificial light (9:15 :: light:dark cycle).

[0111] FIG.2B shows the roots of the plants in FIG.2A. The images demonstrate that Moong bean plants grown with ABFB had the best developed roots, the longer trunks, and the larger leaves.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0112] Table 2 provides the calculated C and N concentrations in amended soils in FIG.2A. The table then summarizes the molar ratio of the nutrients (K, N, P) released in effluent over those released by control soil, effluent pH and alkalinity from each of the amended soils. As indicated in Table 2, the soil containing ABFB column releases the highest alkalinity. The median pH of the effluent from the ABFB column (= 7.67) indicates that the bulk of the alkalinity is in the form of bicarbonate ion. The ABFB amended soil released the highest amounts of K and P compared to those amended with basalt, altered basalt, or biochar. The ABFB amended soil also retained its N in comparison to soil with other amendments. These effluent characteristics are the possible reasons for increased soil fertility of ABFB amended soil compared to others. Table 2. Carbon and nitrogen contents of amended soil, release of K, N, and P from soil, its pH and estimated Alkalinity (in equivalent L-1). C N K N P pH Alkalinity (wt%) (wt%) Basalt + Soil0.87 0.073.1 33.3 0.787.466Altered basalt 0.7 1.17 6 +Soil0.87 0.071.32 7.30 ABFB + Soil3.62 0.11239 0.49 2.157.6726Biochar + Soil 4.93 0.13 75 0.96 1.88 8.1716

[0113] Example 2.3. Discussion

[0114] In sum, hydrothermal alteration of basalt using low molecular weight organic acids (such as pyroligneous, acetic, citric, and oxalic acids) can accelerate basalt weathering rate by 100- to 1000-fold. This process alters basalts into secondary clay minerals and releases plant nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn). Mixing altered basalt with biochar allows sorption of organic on clay minerals. Additionally, mixing of alkaline biochar promotes solution pH shifts to >7 allowing precipitation of iron-oxyhydroxides that further trap organics.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0115] Nutrients released from altered basalt fortify the biochar, which itself is a source of K, N, and P. The resulting slurry of altered basalt with fortified biochar (ABFB) is a novel soil amendment constituting an organo-clay composite whose application to soils would sequester atmospheric CO2 both on land and in the ocean. In Applicant’s experiments, for 10 g of ABFB added to soil, about 5 g carbon would be sequestered in soil and 0.32 g carbon would be sequestered as bicarbonate in the ocean. Thus, it is expected that about 0.5 tons of CO2 would be removed per ton of ABFB applied per year.

[0116] Additionally, application of ABFB is expected to improve soil fertility by providing nutrients to soils, decreasing soil acidity, increasing soil carbon, and increasing water content. Applicant’s experiments also show that ABFB is a better solution than just basalt, altered basalt, or biochar in improving soil fertility. As such, ABFB has the potential to be deployed in the field and on a large scale to remove atmospheric CO2.

[0117] Example 3. Production of ABFB

[0118] This Example provides various processes for generating ABFB. For instance, FIG.3 illustrates the production of ABFB using electricity generated from syngas, where the syngas is produced by a biochar producing gasifier (i.e., an All Power Labs PP30 Power Pallet gasifier). Biomass (e.g., wood shavings) is first placed in a gasifier to generate biochar through pyrolysis at ≥ 650 ˚C. Syngas produced as a byproduct is utilized to generate electricity.

[0119] The electricity generated from the engine is then used to grind basalt into a powder form and sieve it to obtain the adequate size. The ground basalt is then placed in a reactor with dilute acetic / citric acid (i.e., a Buechiglas kiloclave® lab pressure reactor). The reactor is powered by the electricity generated during biochar production, also using the steam produced due to the combustion of syngas. The basalt is hydrothermally altered in the reactor at around 200 °C. Finally, the altered basalt is mixed with the produced biochar in the reactor and heated to 120 °C using electricity and hot water from gasifier to form ABFB (i.e., fortified biochar in a slurry)PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0120] FIG. 4 illustrates another ABFB production process that can be streamlined by deploying two reactors (i.e., two Buechiglas kiloclave® lab pressure reactors). The electricity generated from the engine attached to a gasifier (i.e., an All Power Labs PP30 Power Pallet gasifier) is used to grind basalt into a powder form and sieve it to obtain the adequate size. The ground basalt is then placed in Reactor-1 with dilute acetic / citric acid. The reactor is powered by the electricity generated during biochar production, also using the steam produced due to the combustion of syngas. The basalt is hydrothermally altered in Reactor-1 at around 200 °C. The altered basalt is then mixed with the produced biochar in Reactor-2 and heated to 120 °C using electricity and steam from gasifier to form ABFB (i.e., fortified biochar in a slurry).

[0121] Different gasifiers and reactors may be used to scale up ABFB production to take advantage of the economy of scale. The formed ABFB may then be processed in various manners. For instance, the ABFB may be dried for spreading on land through the utilization of existing equipment. It may also be pelletized, if needed. The ABFB may be spread as a slurry using existing equipment after modifying its consistency to use with slurry spreading equipment.

[0122] FIG.5 illustrates another ABFB production process that involves the following steps. First, basalt is ground to about 20 µm. The powdered basalt is then mixed with wood vinegar in water and heated at 200 °C for 24 hours. Finally, biochar produced from pine needles at 650 °C is homogenized with the powdered and altered basalt at 120 °C and a pH of 7 to form ABFB.

[0123] FIG.6 illustrates another ABFB production process that involves the following steps. First, basalt is ground to about 20 µm. In parallel, biochar is produced by heating at 450 °C in a self- heated oven with wood vinegar as the by-product. The powdered basalt is then mixed with wood vinegar in water and heated at 200 °C. In some embodiments, the biochar is heated in an oven at 650 °C and mixed with altered basalt and homogenized. In other embodiments, biochar produced by heating at 450 °C in a self-heated oven is added directly to the altered basalt and homogenized to form ABFB.

[0124] FIG.7 illustrates another ABFB production process that involves using Deccan basalt from India. The basalt is initially ground to 200-800 µm. The powdered basalt is then mixed with wood vinegar in water and heated at 200 °C. Finally, commercial biochar produced at 450 °C in a self-heated oven is sieved to 200-800 µm and homogenized with the powdered and altered basalt at 120 °C and a pH of 7.5 to form ABFB.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04

[0125] FIG. 8 shows an image of an ABFB formed in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure.

[0126] References

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[0167] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the description herein, utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The embodiments described herein are to be construed as illustrative and not as constraining the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. While the embodiments have been shown and described, many variations and modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is only limited by the claims, including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that they provide procedural or other details consistent with and supplementary to those set forth herein.

Claims

PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 CLAIMS 1. A method of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from an environment, said method comprising: exposing the environment to a composition, wherein the composition comprises: at least one biochar; and at least one basalt.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment is selected from the group consisting of an airstream, a gas stream, an industrial plant, an atmosphere, ambient air, a water source, soil, or combinations thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition also enhances the nutrient content of the environment.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the environment comprises soil, and wherein the composition also enhances the fertility of the soil.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the soil is part of a field, wherein the field is selected from the group consisting of an agricultural field, a residential field, a cropland, a park, a subdivision, a yard, a highway, a sports facility, a golf course, or combinations thereof.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the biochar comprises nutrient fortified biochar, wherein the nutrients are derived from the basalt.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the nutrients are selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the basalt comprises altered basalt.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the altered basalt comprises powdered basalt.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the altered basalt comprises heated basalt.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises altered basalt and nutrient fortified biochar (ABFB), wherein the nutrients are derived from the basalt.

12. A method of enhancing soil fertility, wherein the method comprises applying a composition to the soil, wherein the composition comprises: at least one biochar; and at least one basalt.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the soil is part of a field, wherein the field is selected from the group consisting of an agricultural field, a residential field, a cropland, a park, a subdivision, a yard, a highway, a sports facility, a golf course, or combinations thereof.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the biochar comprises nutrient fortified biochar, wherein the nutrients are derived from the basalt.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the nutrients are selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the basalt comprises altered basalt.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the altered basalt comprises powdered basalt.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the altered basalt comprises heated basalt.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein the composition comprises altered basalt and nutrient fortified biochar (ABFB), wherein the nutrients are derived from the basalt.

20. A method of making a composition, said method comprising: altering at least one basalt; and mixing the altered basalt with at least one biochar.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the altering comprises heating the basalt.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 100 °C.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the heating occurs under acidic conditions.

24. The method of claim 20, wherein the altering comprises grinding the basalt to form a powder.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixing comprises homogenization.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the mixing occurs under alkaline conditions.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the method results in nutrient fortification of the biochar, wherein the nutrients are derived from the altered basalt.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the nutrients are selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.

29. The method of claim 20, further comprising a step of forming the biochar from biomass.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the biochar formation comprises heating the biomass through pyrolysis.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the method prevents the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the biomass.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 32. The method of claim 29, wherein the method comprises: forming the biochar, wherein the forming comprises placing a biomass in a gasifier associated with an engine operable to generate electricity and / or steam, wherein the gasifier produces biochar and syngas, and wherein the engine generates electricity and / or steam from the syngas; altering the basalt, wherein altering is powered by the electricity and / or steam generated from the engine; and mixing the altered basalt with the produced biochar to form the composition.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the engine generates steam, and wherein the generated steam from the engine powers the altering of the basalt.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein the engine generates electricity, and wherein the generated electricity from the engine powers the altering of the basalt.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein the altering comprises heating the basalt in a reactor.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the heating occurs at a temperature of at least 100 °C under acidic conditions.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the engine also generates steam, wherein the steam is utilized to heat the basalt in a reactor.

38. The method of claim 32, wherein the altering comprises grinding the basalt to form a powder.

39. The method of claim 32, wherein the gasifier produces biochar through pyrolysis.

40. The method of claim 20, wherein the method is used to capture CO2from an environment during the production of the composition.

41. A composition comprising: at least one basalt; and at least one biochar, wherein the biochar comprises nutrient fortified biochar, and wherein the nutrients are derived from the basalt.

42. The composition of claim 41, wherein the nutrients are selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, K, P, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, salts thereof, oxides thereof, or combinations thereof.

43. The composition of claim 41, wherein the basalt comprises altered basalt.

44. The composition of claim 43, wherein the altered basalt comprises powdered basalt.PCT Application Attorney Docket No. AF60544.P046WO Dartmouth Ref. No.2023-035-04 45. The composition of claim 43, wherein the altered basalt comprises heated basalt.

46. The composition of claim 45, wherein the heated basalt is heated under acidic conditions.

47. The composition of claim 41, wherein the composition is in homogenized form.

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