Desalination plants could become net absorbers (rather than net emitters) of CO2. Thermal decomposition of salts in desalination reject brine can yield MgO which, added to the ocean, would take up CO2 through conversion to bicarbonate. The process proposed here comprises dewatering of brine followed by decomposition in a solar receiver using a heliostat field.
Davies P. A., in press. Solar thermal decomposition of desalination reject brine for carbon dioxide removal and neutralisation of ocean acidity. Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology. Article (subscription required).
