Early-Stage Assessment of Groundwater Quality in a Carbon Capture and Storage Project: A Case Study from North Texas

The increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air necessitates using Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce emissions. However, concerns persist regarding how CCS may affect groundwater, especially if CO2 leaks and interacts with aquifer systems. This study evaluated the impact of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) activities on groundwater quality near the Barnett Zero CCS project in Wise County, North Texas. We analyzed groundwater samples from four monitoring wells within a one-mile radius of the CCS site and two control wells beyond this radius to assess changes in major ion concentrations, organic carbon levels, and heavy metals and organic contaminants. The results showed the importance of ongoing groundwater quality assessment in CCS-affected regions. While no immediate contamination risks were identified, the observed variations in ion concentrations and organic carbon levels suggested potential geochemical interactions that merit further study. The elevated levels of certain ions in monitoring wells compared to control wells indicated the possible mobilization of dissolved species, which could be influenced by CO2 injection and subsurface geochemical reactions. Additionally, the isolated occurrence of arsenic in one monitoring well, though not widespread, underscored the need for further investigation to determine whether it was a natural anomaly or a result of CCS-related processes. Long-term monitoring remains necessary to distinguish between natural underground changes and any effects of CCS. This will help protect groundwater while ensuring that CCS continues to be a safe and sustainable solution for reducing CO2 emissions.