By now in the BAM! project, thousands of (a)biotic combinations have been tested in simple batch reactors to identify the conditions that enhance weathering rates and, consequently, CO₂ sequestration. The specific interactions driving these effects remain largely unknown. To address this knowledge gap and to quantify weathering rates under more applied conditions, an advanced, well-instrumented bioreactor was designed, built, and operated at the University of Antwerp. Over the past year, the most promising combinations identified in the batch screening phase were studied in greater detail. Next to quantifying the bio-acceleration effect, key abiotic operational parameters such as mixing and irrigation rate were studied. Various rock types such as dunite and basalt were tested, and the obtained results were processed in a techno-economic assessment study that showed that our concept can be economically viable at the current CO2-price of €90/ton (Van Hee et al., 2025).
We are also pleased to welcome a new member to our Antwerp team: ir. Kaja Czub. Although she only recently began her doctoral research on enhanced weathering, Kaja is no stranger to the BAM! project. During her master’s thesis in 2024, she collaborated under the supervision of dr. Michiel Van Tendeloo, focusing on the design, construction, and operation of a downscaled version of the BAM! reactor, fittingly named the “BAMini” reactor. This compact system was intentionally developed to be considerably smaller and easier to operate, enabling higher experimental throughput while maintaining rigorous monitoring standards.
Now continuing her work as a PhD researcher, Kaja is investigating the weathering potential of steel slag. She particularly focusses on blending this industrial byproduct with natural silicates to enhance CO₂ capture while avoiding uncontrolled fast formation of secondary minerals resulting in clogging. Her research aims to optimize weathering efficiency while ensuring stable reactor performance. Kaja will present her preliminary findings at the Enhanced Rock Weathering 2025 (ERW25) conference in June.
Van Hee N., Van Tendeloo M., Vasilakou K., Niron H., Struyf E., Hartmann J., Vicca S., Nimmegeers P. & Vlaeminck S.E. (2025). Economic feasibility of a novel bio-accelerated silicate weathering reactor concept for climate change mitigation. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 145, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijggc.2025.104412