[DLS] David Boutt (UMASS Amherst)

“Groundwater and the Extraction of Lithium from Shallow and Deep Brine Systems”

As the world transitions away from dependency on fossil-fuels, lithium-ion batteries are the main alternative for high-density energy in the transportation sector. One of the main sources of lithium for the cathode component of batteries is from dense brines found in endorheic basins of the Andean plateau. Resource, management, and environmental impact assessments rely on the accurate characterization of the brine and fresh-water aquifers in and around the resource. Characterization of groundwater flow in these systems is complicated by density differences in fluids, high geologic heterogeneity in evaporite systems, hyper-arid climates with extreme rainfall events, complexity of the ages of inflow waters, and disconnected surface and ground waters. The hydrogeologic context, setting, and functioning of lithium brine bearing aquifers and reservoirs is key to understanding their formation and environmentally responsible resource extraction. In this presentation we review the critical role of water flow and transport in lithium brine system. Key advances in understanding these systems is presented. Sources of uncertainty in evaluating the origin and future fate of these systems is discussed from a mechanistic and process perspective. Over the last decade we have developed an interdisciplinary approach to defining the processes and mechanisms of (ground) water and hydrogeochemistry in transporting, accumulating, and extracting lithium in continental brines. The environmental impacts of lithium brine pumping are explored and discussed in the context of balancing the sustainability of lithium-ion batteries as a fundamental piece of the global future energy transition. We conclude with recommendations and research needs and opportunities to balance resource extraction and sustainable development.

EAPS Department Lecture Series —

Weekly talks aimed to bring together the entire EAPS community, given by leading thinkers in the areas of geology, geophysics, geobiology, geochemistry, atmospheric science, oceanography, climatology, and planetary science. Runs concurrently with class 12.S501. 

Contact: eapsinfo@mit.edu