Magnesium carbonate chemical weathering

Sulfuric acid is found in nature in the vicinity of volcanoes. It is also used in industry for manufacturing numerous consumer products. Therefore, the chemical may be released to the environment as a waste product or from unintentional, accidental releases. If released to soil, it will dissolve in soil moisture and migrate with either soil moisture or groundwater flow. If released to water, it will dissolve or create sulfate salts. Dissolved sulfuric acid will react with calcium and magnesium to produce sulfate salts. Sulfuric acid can contribute to the weathering of soil and rocks by reacting with calcium and carbonates contained in soil and rocks. 

As the amount of CO2 stored increases, it becomes progressively more difficult to guarantee a physical barrier that prevents CO2 from returning to the atmosphere. Chemical conversion to a thermodynamically lower state would thus be desirable and is indeed possible. CO2 is the anhydrous form of carbonic acid and therefore can be used to displace weaker acids such as silicic acid. The formation of carbonates from silicates is well known as geological weathering. Thermodynamically, CO2 can be bound as a carbonate. In many instances, these carbonates dissolve in water, but some, such as magnesium and calcium carbonates, are remarkably stable as solids. Thus, mineral sequestration would provide a means of storing CO2. 

Chemical analyses of soils for corrosion purposes are usually limited to determination of the elements that are soluble in water. The base-forming elements are usuaUy sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The acidforming elements are carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, nitrate, and sulfate. The nature and amount of soluble salts, together with the moisture content of the soil, generally determine the conductivity and corrosivity of the soil. The development of acidity in soils is a result of the natuial processes of weathering and decay under humid conditions. 

---